By Eleanor Harding PUBLISHED: 18:21 EST, 23 June 2013 | UPDATED: 08:05 EST, 24 June 2013 Wimbledon is rarely short of on-court drama. This year, however, it seems the real fireworks will be off-court – at least if Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova have anything to do with it. The players, two of the best in the world, have become embroiled in an extraordinary cat-fight ahead of this year’s tournament, which begins today. Scroll down for video New couple: Maria Sharapova out with her boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov, who is believed to be Serena Williams' ex Their fierce professional rivalry has grown increasingly bitter since Russian star Miss Sharapova started going out with Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov, 22, whom Miss Williams is believed to have dated.
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Female tennis aces Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova in catfight
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Allegedly in the middle is Miss Sharapova's boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov
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Miss Williams is believed to be Bulgarian player Dimitrov's ex
Yesterday defending @placeholder champion Miss Williams, 31, tried to calm the row at a press conference on the eve of the tournament.
Public spat: @placeholder, pictured at a press conference on Sunday, has said if Miss Sharapova wants a man with a 'black heart' she should 'go for it'
The 26-year-old Russian-born star said: ‘If @placeholder wants to talk about something personal, she should talk about her relationship and her boyfriend who was married, who is getting a divorce and who has kids – and not draw attention to other things.’