John McEnroe has revealed he regularly texted Grigor Dimitrov after the Bulgarian's pectoral tear at Wimbledon last year, showing his compassionate side during the 35-year-old's struggle with form and fitness.
McEnroe's Messages Revealed
Speaking on the BBC during Dimitrov's fourth-round match against Arthur Fery on Monday evening, McEnroe disclosed that he had been in touch with the former world No. 3 throughout the year. "I texted him a couple of times throughout the year to ask 'how're you doing?'" McEnroe said. "He ended up coming back too soon and that led to a lack of confidence. He started so poorly the year. It's been so tough these past 11 months. He's finally starting to see some results."
Dimitrov's Injury and Comeback
Dimitrov suffered a heartbreaking pectoral tear during his fourth-round Wimbledon clash with Jannik Sinner last year, which required surgery. He led the eventual champion by two sets when he was forced to withdraw from the match. He headed straight to hospital and underwent surgery within days. Since then, the 35-year-old has struggled for form and fitness, slipping to No. 146 in the world rankings. He was gifted a wildcard to compete at the Championships and began to look like his old self, progressing to the fourth round and knocking out No. 15 seed Jakub Mensik en route.
McEnroe's Compassionate Side
McEnroe, who earned a reputation as a hot head during his playing days, regularly smashing rackets, has shown his compassionate side. The 67-year-old rarely confesses to speaking with the current crop of stars, but his affection for Dimitrov is clear. McEnroe's comments came early in the first set, but he did not stay for the duration of the five-set thriller because he had to leave midway through.
McEnroe's Departure and Other Matches
"I think we're going to have to bid farewell at this point," BBC commentator Andrew Cotter told viewers after the second set. "John McEnroe to take a break, never to return." McEnroe replied: "Well, hopefully I'll return but I've got contractual obligations to do the lone American in the draw, Taylor Fritz. He's maybe the slight favourite to get to the final on this half. I'm sure Bublik, Zverev and others may have a say about that. You guys call a great rest of the match." Fritz went on to beat Alexander Bublik in straight sets.
