Maria Sharapova, the retired tennis superstar and five-time Grand Slam champion, has long been known for keeping her personal life under wraps. But whispers of a mysterious, high-profile romance have circulated for years—until now. Sources reveal that the Russian beauty has been in a deeply committed relationship with British businessman Alexander Gilkes, a multi-millionaire with ties to royalty and the art world. What was once a closely guarded secret is finally coming to light.
The pair first sparked dating rumors back in early 2018, when they were spotted together in Los Angeles. Sharapova, fresh off her return from a doping suspension and navigating the later stages of her tennis career, seemed smitten with the charming Eton-educated entrepreneur. Gilkes, co-founder of the online auction platform Paddle8 and later the venture studio Squared Circles, brought a world of luxury, art auctions, and elite connections—including friendships with Princes William and Harry from his school days.
For months, they kept things low-key, avoiding the spotlight that had followed Sharapova’s previous high-profile relationships with athletes like Grigor Dimitrov and Sasha Vujacic. But in December 2020, the couple shocked fans by announcing their engagement on Instagram. Sharapova posted romantic photos with the caption: “I said yes from the first day we met. This was our little secret, wasn’t it?” Gilkes echoed the sentiment, calling her his “very very happy boy” maker.
What makes this romance so intriguing? Gilkes, often described as a multi-millionaire (with some outlets estimating the couple’s combined net worth over $200 million in 2025), isn’t your typical billionaire playboy. His sophisticated world of fine art and high-society events perfectly complements Sharapova’s post-tennis life as a businesswoman behind brands like Sugarpova and investments in wellness companies.
In 2022, their family grew with the arrival of son Theodore, further solidifying their bond. The couple has prioritized privacy, rarely sharing glimpses of their little one, but they’ve been spotted at glamorous events like the Met Gala and art fairs worldwide. Despite being engaged for over five years, Sharapova has shared that wedding plans are on hold—they’re “not in a rush,” focusing instead on parenthood and their thriving lives.
As Sharapova was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2025, with Gilkes by her side, their enduring partnership proves that sometimes the best matches happen off the court. This “secret” romance, once hidden in plain sight, is a testament to love built on mutual respect, shared ambitions, and a touch of glamour. Fans can’t help but root for this power couple’s happily ever after.
