Maria Sharapova reveals how her relationship with Grigor Dimitrov works

Maria Sharapova has revealed that her relationship with Grigor Dimitrov works because they share an understanding of their tennis commitments.

The 28-year-old five-time Grand Slam champion has been in a relationship with the Bulgarian sportsman since 2012.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Sharapova said: "It's nice to have someone who really understands and respects [what I do] and knows the drill.

"There are so many little variants in an athlete's career that are not always easy to explain to the outside world. So it is nice that they are aware of it and know it."

Sharapova will begin the defence of her French Open title with a first-round match against Kaia Kanepi this afternoon.