After a storied career that saw her reach the pinnacle of world tennis, Maria Sharapova has gracefully transitioned into a new chapter of her life. While fans remember her for her five Grand Slam titles and fierce on-court presence, a common question now surrounds her personal life: who is Maria Sharapova’s husband?
Though she is not yet officially married, Sharapova has been in a long-term, committed relationship with her fiancé, Alexander Gilkes. This article provides a comprehensive look into the man who captured the tennis legend’s heart, exploring his impressive background, their relationship timeline, and the life they are building together.
Who is Alexander Gilkes? More Than Just Maria Sharapova’s Fiancé
Alexander Gilkes is far more than just the partner of a famous athlete. He is a highly successful British entrepreneur with a formidable resume and deep connections to the worlds of art, business, and even royalty. Born in London in July 1979, Gilkes was educated at the prestigious Eton College, where he was a contemporary of Prince William and Prince Harry, establishing a friendship that continues to this day.
After Eton, he attended the University of Bristol before moving to New York to build his career. With his charm, ambition, and keen eye for art, Gilkes quickly established himself as a prominent figure in the city’s high-stakes art scene. He has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative Entrepreneurs, appeared on the best-dressed lists of Vanity Fair and GQ, and serves on the board of the New York Academy of Art.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alexander Mark Heming Gilkes |
| Date of Birth | July 1979 |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Eton College; University of Bristol |
| Career | Co-founder of Paddle8; Co-founder of Squared Circles |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~$25 million |
| Partner | Maria Sharapova (2018–present) |
| Children | Theodore (born July 1, 2022) |
A Timeline of Sharapova and Gilkes’ Relationship
The couple’s love story began in 2018 when they were first spotted together in Los Angeles. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and they made their romance public later that year, appearing at Elton John’s charity gala. In October 2018, they made things official on Instagram by posting vacation photos together.
In December 2020, Gilkes proposed, and Sharapova announced their engagement on Instagram, writing, “I said yes from the first day we met. This was our little secret, wasn’t it?” Gilkes confirmed the news on his own account, calling himself “a very very happy boy.” Their bond deepened with the arrival of their son, Theodore, on July 1, 2022. Most recently, in August 2025, Gilkes was proudly by Sharapova’s side as she was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island — a testament to their enduring support for one another.
The Million-Dollar Question: Why Aren’t They Married Yet?
Despite their long engagement, many fans wonder why Maria Sharapova and Alexander Gilkes have not yet tied the knot. The couple has been open about their decision to prioritize their family, especially after the birth of their son.
Sharapova has explained that they chose to focus on parenthood and enjoy their time as a new family before turning their attention to wedding planning. The arrival of Theodore happily delayed their initial plans, and they remain content with their current status as a committed, engaged couple. As Sharapova has noted, there is no rush — they are simply savoring each chapter as it comes.
Inside Alexander Gilkes’ Impressive Career and Net Worth
Alexander Gilkes’ career is marked by significant entrepreneurial success. In 2011, he co-founded Paddle8, an innovative online auction house that revolutionized the way art and collectibles were sold. He had previously served as an auctioneer at Phillips de Pury & Company and worked at LVMH as the youngest executive team member in the company’s history. Under his leadership, Paddle8 grew into the world’s fifth-largest auction house, with reported sales of $150 million by 2015.
After selling Paddle8, Gilkes launched Squared Circles in 2020, a venture studio that partners with and helps grow promising consumer brands in food, health, and lifestyle. His business acumen has led to a substantial personal fortune, with his net worth estimated to be around $25 million. Combined with Sharapova’s wealth from her tennis career and her successful candy brand, Sugarpova, the couple’s combined net worth is reported to exceed $200 million.
Royal Connections and a High-Profile Ex-Wife
Gilkes’ life has long intersected with high-profile circles. His friendships with Prince William and Prince Harry are well-documented, stemming from their shared time at Eton College. He is also known to be close friends with Princess Eugenie and Pippa Middleton, making him one of the most well-connected Britons in New York’s social scene.
Before his relationship with Sharapova, Gilkes was married to Misha Nonoo, a British-Bahraini fashion designer. The couple had a lavish Venetian wedding in 2012 attended by Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, among others. They divorced in 2017. Nonoo is a close friend of Meghan Markle and is rumored to have arranged the blind date between Markle and Prince Harry, adding yet another layer of royal intrigue to Gilkes’ social circle.
A Look Back: Maria Sharapova’s Dating History
Before finding lasting love with Alexander Gilkes, Maria Sharapova had several high-profile relationships. Her most notable past romance was with fellow tennis star Grigor Dimitrov, with whom she was one of the sport’s power couples from 2012 to 2015. Their relationship attracted significant media attention given that both were top-ranked players.
Prior to that, she was engaged to Slovenian basketball player Sasha Vujacic, though they called off their engagement in 2012. She was also briefly linked to Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine and fellow tennis player Andy Roddick in the earlier years of her career. Her journey through these relationships ultimately led her to the stable, loving partnership she now shares with Gilkes.
Family Life: Motherhood and Raising Son Theodore
Since retiring from tennis in February 2020, Maria Sharapova has embraced her role as a mother with the same dedication she brought to the court. She and Gilkes welcomed their son, Theodore, on July 1, 2022, with Sharapova announcing the news on Instagram using the date written in Roman numerals.
She has described motherhood as “beautiful and rewarding,” and the couple has been intentional about shielding Theodore from the public spotlight. While they occasionally share glimpses of their family life on social media, they maintain a strong sense of privacy for their son. In February 2025, Sharapova even shared an amusing anecdote about how Theodore quickly lost interest in tennis, showing the couple’s warm, grounded approach to parenting.
The Engagement Ring: All the Dazzling Details
Alexander Gilkes proposed to Maria Sharapova with a stunning and thoughtfully designed engagement ring. The custom-made piece features a large, emerald-cut diamond, estimated to be between five and seven carats, set in a modern bezel setting on a yellow gold band.
The bezel setting, which encases the edge of the diamond completely in metal, is simultaneously modern and vintage in feel. It is also an incredibly practical choice for an athlete like Sharapova, as the secure setting means no protruding prongs to catch on clothing or come loose during physical activity. The ring is a perfect reflection of both her elegance and her active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maria Sharapova married?
No, Maria Sharapova is not officially married. She has been engaged to her long-term partner, Alexander Gilkes, since December 2020. The couple has chosen to focus on their family and raising their son, Theodore, before planning a formal wedding.
Who is Alexander Gilkes?
Alexander Gilkes is a British entrepreneur and art auctioneer. He is best known as the co-founder of the online auction house Paddle8 and the venture studio Squared Circles. He attended Eton College alongside Prince William and Prince Harry and is a prominent figure in New York’s art and business world.
What is Alexander Gilkes’ net worth?
Alexander Gilkes’ net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. Together with Maria Sharapova, whose wealth stems from her tennis career and her candy brand, Sugarpova, the couple’s combined net worth is reported to exceed $200 million.
How many children does Maria Sharapova have?
Maria Sharapova has one child, a son named Theodore, born on July 1, 2022, with her fiancé Alexander Gilkes.
Why did Maria Sharapova retire from tennis?
Maria Sharapova retired from professional tennis in February 2020, citing the physical toll of a long career, including persistent shoulder injuries that required multiple surgeries. Her final professional match was at the 2020 Australian Open.
While the world may still search for “Maria Sharapova husband,” the answer lies in her committed and loving partnership with fiancé Alexander Gilkes. Together, they represent a powerful blend of athletic greatness, business savvy, and a deep commitment to family. As they continue to build their life together with their son, Theodore, they have gracefully moved into a new chapter that is just as compelling as Sharapova’s celebrated time on the court.
