John McEnroe shows true colours as text messages to Wimbledon star emerge | Tennis | Sport

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 that required surgery.

Dimitrov led the eventual champion by two sets when he was forced to withdraw from the clash. He headed straight to hospital and underwent the knife 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 progressed to the fourth round, knocking out No.15 seed Jakub Mensik en route.

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.

“I texted him a couple of times throughout the year to ask ‘how’re you doing?'” McEnroe said on the BBC.

“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, who earned a reputation as a hot head during his playing days, regularly smashing up his 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.

“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.