Maria Sharapova Boyfriend: Serena Williams' Ex A Distraction For New Coach? Grigor Dimitrov Romances Russian Tennis Star As She Hires Jimmy Connors

Two days after announcing she was ending her successful three-year coaching relationship with Thomas Hogstedt, Maria Sharapova said former great Jimmy Connors will be Hogstedt's successor, CNN reports, but some say her relationship with Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov might become a distraction. 

Maria Sharapova announced last week that she is splitting with her coach because he "will not be able to travel in the near future," but she left fans wondering if her relationship with Grigor Dimitrov played any role.

Grigor Dimitrov, who dated Serena Williams before getting serious with the Russian tennis celebrity, is known to frequently travel with his girlfriend.

And those close to Maria Sharapova attribute her spotty performance in the Wimbledon 2013 to her relationship. 

Annabel Croft, a former tennis player gone reporter, told The Telegraph earlier this month that Maria Sharapova lost in the second round at Wimbledon 2013 because she was in love with Grigor Dimitrov. 

"Sharapova is in love," Croft said. 

"After she lost to Michelle Larcher de Brito, who was ranked 131, she spoke beautifully, with good grace and humility, and she was much less upset than I would have expected."

Although Maria Sharapova made an early exit at the Wimbledon 2013, she cheered on boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov during the men's singles match between the Bulgarian tennis star and Grega Zemlja of Slovenia.

But now that Maria Sharapova has a new coach, many are wondering if she will perform better or if she will continue to focus on her love with her Grigor Dimitrov. 

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