Maria Sharapova and Alexander Gilkes have built a quiet, high-achieving life together since they first connected. While public curiosity often focuses on whether they've walked down the aisle, their bond centers on shared entrepreneurial ambitions, low-key public appearances, and raising their son. Unlike many high-profile couples who broadcast every detail, they've maintained a deliberate boundary between their public careers and their private family dynamic.
The former tennis superstar and the British businessman officially crossed paths in 2018, navigating busy schedules across international business, sports, and art. They announced their engagement in late 2020 and welcomed their first child in 2022. Their partnership bridges two distinct worlds: elite global athletics and high-end art commerce.
How Maria Sharapova and Alexander Gilkes Met
The exact origin story of how their paths crossed remains largely private, but they stepped into the public eye as a couple in 2018. At the time, Sharapova was transitioning away from her grueling professional tennis routine, focusing instead on her growing candy business, Sugarpova, and global investments. Gilkes was well-established in the art world as the co-founder of Paddle8, an online auction house, and later founded Squared Circles, a venture studio.
Friends in overlapping social circles likely introduced them, given Gilkes's background attending Eton College alongside British royalty and moving through elite international art and fashion scenes. Their shared appreciation for privacy, modern art, and business ventures created an immediate foundation. By late 2018, they made their relationship Instagram official, sharing glimpses of travels together and supporting each other's professional milestones.
The 2020 Engagement Announcement
After two years of dating, Gilkes proposed in December 2020. True to their understated style, they shared the news via social media rather than a formal celebrity press release. Sharapova posted a nostalgic video and photos from their early days together, writing a playful caption noting that she said yes from day one of knowing him.
Gilkes shared a similar sentiment, praising her for making him a very happy boy and agreeing to embark on this quiet adventure. The engagement signaled a long-term commitment, though the pair did not immediately rush into a massive public wedding ceremony, preferring to enjoy their engagement while managing their respective business ventures.
Welcoming Their Son, Theodore
The couple expanded their family on July 1, 2022, when Sharapova gave birth to a baby boy named Theodore. They shared the announcement weeks later, calling him the most beautiful, challenging, and rewarding gift their family could ask for.
Parenthood shifted both of their daily routines significantly. Sharapova documented her slow, intentional return to physical fitness after childbirth, starting with basic stretching and Pilates before working back into full cardio. While they occasionally share family moments on platforms like Instagram, they intentionally protect Theodore's privacy by keeping his face hidden in photographs.
Business Ventures and Shared Interests
Beyond family life, both partners maintain active professional portfolios. Sharapova transitioned successfully from winning Grand Slam titles to venture capital, investing in wellness brands, fashion, and tech startups. She frequently speaks on panels about brand building and female entrepreneurship.
Gilkes has spent decades disrupting traditional markets through art and venture incubation. His work with Paddle8 and subsequent projects highlighted a knack for digitizing luxury spaces. Together, they often attend major design fairs, fashion weeks, and philanthropic events, such as galas hosted by the Elton John AIDS Foundation, balancing high-society commitments with quiet family weekends.
Common Misconceptions About Their Relationship
Because the couple values discretion, rumors and outdated information often circulate online.
- Are they married? As of recent public updates, they remain engaged rather than officially married, though media outlets frequently mislabel Gilkes as her husband.
- Is Gilkes part of British royalty? While Gilkes attended school with Prince William and Prince Harry and maintains close ties within British social circles, he is a private businessman, not a member of the royal family.
- Did Sharapova retire because of the relationship? No. Sharapova announced her retirement from tennis in early 2020 following persistent shoulder injuries, well before the birth of their son and two years after she began dating Gilkes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Maria Sharapova and Alexander Gilkes start dating?
They began dating in 2018 and made their relationship public later that year through social media appearances and joint event attendance.
When was their son Theodore born?
Theodore was born on July 1, 2022. The couple announced his birth to the public mid-July.
What is Alexander Gilkes's professional background?
Gilkes is a British businessman and entrepreneur best known for co-founding Paddle8, an online art auction platform.
Do they post photos of their child online?
They share occasional updates about family life, but they shield their son's face in photographs to maintain his privacy.
