John McEnroe has shown his empathetic side by revealing he regularly checked in with Grigor Dimitrov. The Bulgarian suffered a heartbreaking pectoral tear during his fourth-round Wimbledon clash with Jannik Sinner last year.
What happened?
Dimitrov led the eventual champion by two sets when he was forced to withdraw from the clash. He headed straight to hospital and underwent surgery within days.
The 35-year-old has struggled for form and fitness during the past year and slipped to No. 146 in the world rankings. He was gifted a wildcard to compete at the Championships and finally began to look like his old self as he progressed to the fourth round.
Why it matters for John McEnroe
McEnroe, who earned a reputation as a hot head during his playing days, rarely confesses to speaking with the current crop of stars but his affection for Dimitrov is clear. McEnroe replied: "Well, hopefully I'll return but I've got contractual obligations to do the lone American in the draw, Taylor Fritz.
What comes next?
Fritz went on to beat Alexander Bublik in straight sets. 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 dash midway through.
The 67-year-old McEnroe has shown his compassionate side by discussing Dimitrov's struggles with form and fitness. Dimitrov was facing Arthur Fery on Centre Court on Monday evening when McEnroe revealed that he has been in touch with the former world No.3.
McEnroe said on the BBC: "I texted him a couple of times throughout the year to ask 'how're you doing?'". 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. McEnroe's affection for Dimitrov is clear, and he has shown his empathetic side by revealing their text messages. On 18 Jun was not the exact date but the event happened last year during Wimbledon.