Grigor Dimitrov reveals Wimbledon mixed doubles plans with Serena Williams

After Grigor Dimitrov defeated Fernando Verdasco, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, in his Wimbledon opener on Wednesday, the former semifinalist revealed he'd planned to hit the mixed doubles court with Serena Williams this week. Ultimately, that dream was dashed when the 23-time major champion was undone by the slippery-manicured grass on Centre Court.

While Serena was taking on Aliaksandra Sasnovich, Dimitrov was oblivious to his friend's sudden change in fate.

“I was doing treatment at that time, and all of a sudden I get one of those pop ups on my phone. I was like, ‘what happened?’, and I clearly had no idea, none of us expected it, nor did she. I honestly thought that, that was it. She would have done this, this year, I mean the way we were practicing the other day, was so amazing. We always have one hit, or two hits before a tournament when we are in the same spot,” Dimitrov told Wimbledon media.

“We were also thinking of playing mixed doubles together," Dimitrov, who faces Alexander Bublik Thursday, explained. "Maybe down the road somewhere. I was gutted for her. She was playing great, I saw some highlights after. All I can do is show my support."

Serena incurred a right-leg injury when she slipped at the end of the fifth game. She received off-court medical treatment and attempted to continue, but buckled mid-point at 3-3 and retired. It marked her first opening-round exit at the All England Club.