By far, the greatest fighter ever: Boyfriend Dimitrov on Sharapova

Melbourne: Maria Sharapova's boyfriend described the five-time major winner as a great fighter, which he meant as a compliment. One of tennis' power couples, Sharapova and No. 10 Grigor Dimitrov are discreet about their relationship but the up-and-coming Bulgarian star offered an opinion on what makes her such a tough player.

"You can't name one thing in particular with her," said Dimitrov, a Wimbledon semifinalist. "I think she's been fighting throughout all those years, through everything that is in her way, jumped all the hurdles and all the obstacles."

( Grigor Dimitrov, Photo: AP) 

"By far the greatest fighter ever," he said.

Sharapova showed her grit in a narrow escape Wednesday, saving two match points before beating Alexandra Panova in their second-round match.

"Days like that define who you are," said Dimitrov, who also advanced to the third round Wednesday.

When Maria Sharapova needs some intel on an unfamiliar opponent, she turns to YouTube.

"Especially if I'm unfamiliar with a girl I'm facing," the No. 2-ranked Sharapova said. "I don't watch too much. But, yeah, it's nice to have." However, she's not as partial to watching videos of herself.

"I really dislike doing that," Sharapova said. "But it's quite educational, at least that's what the coaches tell me."

Seeing herself on video can offer insights to her game that she might not have  realized. But after her performance Wednesday, which included 51 unforced errors, Sharapova said her focus for the next round will not be her opponent.

"After today's match, I really just want to focus on what I have to do."