When people type “maria sharapova husband” into Google, they’re usually not just curious about her personal life. They’re also looking to understand the full story of one of the most recognizable athletes in modern sport. Maria Sharapova isn’t only remembered as a five-time Grand Slam champion—she’s also an entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, bestselling author, and now a devoted mother. Her biography is much more than tennis; it’s about grit, glory, and the love she shares with her fiancé Alexander Gilkes, the man most often mentioned when fans ask about Maria Sharapova’s husband.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Maria Yuryevna Sharapova
- Born: April 19, 1987, Nyagan, Russia
- Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
- Parents: Yuri Sharapov and Yelena Sharapova
- Playing Style: Right-handed, two-handed backhand, aggressive baseline game
- Grand Slams: 5 (Wimbledon 2004, US Open 2006, Australian Open 2008, French Open 2012 & 2014)
- Olympics: Silver Medal, London 2012
- Career High Ranking: World No. 1 in WTA (21 total weeks)
- Entrepreneurship: Founder of “Sugarpova”
- Relationship Status: Engaged to Alexander Gilkes
- Child: Son, Theodore (born July 1, 2022)
Early Life: Humble Beginnings in Russia
Maria Sharapova’s incredible journey began in Nyagan, Siberia, where she was born in April 1987. Life in the harsh, cold climate was never easy, and when Maria was still very young, her family relocated to Sochi, a warmer coastal city. It was there that her first brush with destiny occurred. At just four years old, Maria picked up a tennis racket, and within a couple of years, her natural timing and sharp hand-eye coordination were already setting her apart.
Her father, Yuri Sharapov, noticed her unusual gift. Determined to give his daughter every opportunity, he made a bold decision: he would take Maria to the United States so she could train at elite tennis academies. It wasn’t an easy move—Yuri barely spoke English, and the family had little money—but both father and daughter were ready to make sacrifices for a dream that was just beginning to take shape.
Teenage Sensation: Sharapova’s Big Breakthrough
By the age of 13, Maria was already competing in junior tournaments across the United States, quickly gaining a reputation as a fearless and powerful player. Her tall frame, booming groundstrokes, and unshakable focus made her stand out from her peers.
Then came 2004, the year that changed everything. At only 17 years old, Sharapova walked onto the grass courts of Wimbledon and stunned the tennis world by defeating none other than Serena Williams in the final. That victory didn’t just earn her a Grand Slam trophy—it transformed her overnight into an international superstar.
Maria Sharapova was no longer just a promising teenager with potential. She was a champion, a household name, and a player who had just announced herself as a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
Career Highlights: From Grand Slam Glory to Olympic Medal
Maria Sharapova’s career is defined by greatness, resilience, and moments that shaped the history of women’s tennis. She is among the rare athletes to achieve the Career Grand Slam—winning all four major tennis tournaments, a feat that places her alongside legends of the sport.
- Wimbledon 2004 – At just 17, she stunned the world by defeating Serena Williams in the final, becoming the youngest Wimbledon champion since 1997.
- US Open 2006 – Sharapova proved she wasn’t a one-hit wonder, winning her second Grand Slam and cementing her status as one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
- Australian Open 2008 – This victory showcased her adaptability across surfaces, as she powered her way to glory in Melbourne.
- French Open 2012 & 2014 – Once considered her weakest surface, clay became her crown jewel. Her back-to-back French Open wins earned her the nickname “Queen of Clay.”
On top of her Grand Slam triumphs, Sharapova proudly represented Russia at the 2012 London Olympics, where she claimed a silver medal in women’s singles. Her career-high ranking of World No. 1 was not a fleeting moment—she held that title across different years, proving her dominance wasn’t just a phase but an era.
Struggles and Comebacks: Injuries and Suspension
Maria Sharapova’s journey wasn’t all trophies and celebrations. Like every true champion, she faced challenges that tested her mental and physical strength.
Recurring shoulder injuries plagued her career, leading to multiple surgeries and long layoffs from the sport. Many doubted she would ever return to her best form, but Sharapova proved her critics wrong time and again with her grit and determination.
In 2016, her career took another hit when she was handed a suspension for using a banned substance. Sharapova clarified that she had been taking the medication for years for health reasons and was unaware that it had recently been added to the banned list. Despite the controversy, she faced the setback with honesty and courage.
After serving her suspension, Sharapova returned to the court in 2017 and won the Tianjin Open, a victory that symbolized her resilience. Even when the odds were stacked against her, she never stopped fighting—a quality that defined her legacy as much as her championships.
Retirement: Closing a Legendary Chapter
On February 26, 2020, Maria Sharapova officially announced her retirement from professional tennis. Her decision was emotional but inevitable, as years of injuries had taken a toll on her body.
In her farewell message, Sharapova reflected on the sacrifices, victories, and battles that shaped her career. She left the sport with an inspiring legacy, admired not just for her powerful game but also for her relentless spirit. Fans around the world celebrated her as more than just an athlete—she was an icon who inspired millions to chase their dreams.
Life Beyond Tennis: Entrepreneur & Businesswoman
Retirement did not slow Maria Sharapova down. Instead, it gave her the freedom to explore her entrepreneurial side.
In 2012, she launched her own premium candy brand, Sugarpova, which grew into a global business with products sold worldwide. Beyond her own company, Sharapova has invested in tech startups, wellness brands, and lifestyle ventures, showing the same determination in business that she once displayed on the court.
Her savvy business moves have consistently placed her among the highest-paid female athletes in the world, proving that her success extends far beyond tennis. Maria Sharapova is not just a champion athlete—she is a powerful businesswoman and role model.
Personal Life: Who Is Maria Sharapova’s Husband?
Now to the question so many fans type into search engines: Who is Maria Sharapova’s husband?
Maria Sharapova is engaged to Alexander Gilkes, a British entrepreneur with strong ties to the art and fashion industries. Gilkes, who co-founded the online auction platform Paddle8 and later launched the venture studio Squared Circles, is well-known in elite business and cultural circles. Educated at Eton College, he has worked alongside influential figures and is respected for his creativity and vision.
Sharapova and Gilkes reportedly began dating in 2018. Their relationship blossomed quickly, and in December 2020, they announced their engagement. In July 2022, the couple welcomed their son, Theodore, marking a new and joyful chapter in Maria’s life.
While Sharapova and Gilkes have yet to officially marry, fans often refer to him as Maria Sharapova’s husband, reflecting their deep bond and family life. The couple has made it clear that they are in no rush to walk down the aisle, choosing instead to embrace parenthood and enjoy their journey together.
This loving relationship shows a different side of Sharapova—beyond the fierce competitor is a devoted partner and mother building a beautiful family with Alexander Gilkes.
Motherhood: A New Chapter
In July 2022, Maria Sharapova embraced motherhood with the birth of her son, Theodore. Since then, she has often shared glimpses of her life as a mother, balancing business responsibilities with family time.
Motherhood has given her a new perspective on life, shifting her focus from competition to nurturing, from chasing titles to building a family. Her fans admire this softer side of her, which adds another dimension to her already remarkable legacy.
Maria Sharapova’s Playing Style and Legacy
Sharapova’s style was built on raw power—her booming serve, aggressive groundstrokes, and fierce mental toughness. She was never intimidated by big moments, often playing her best tennis under pressure.
Her legacy extends beyond titles. She showed that athletes could become powerful entrepreneurs, that setbacks don’t define a career, and that resilience is as important as talent. Today, she is celebrated as one of the greatest tennis players of her generation and a role model for women worldwide.
Maria Sharapova Net Worth
Maria Sharapova has been one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world for over a decade. Her earnings come from:
- Prize money (over $38 million throughout her career)
- Endorsements with global brands
- Business ventures, especially Sugarpova
- Investments in wellness and tech
Her estimated net worth is in the hundreds of millions, making her not only a tennis champion but also a financial powerhouse.
Awards and Recognition
- 5-time Grand Slam Champion
- Olympic Silver Medalist (2012)
- WTA Player of the Year (2004)
- Laureus World Sports Award for Breakthrough of the Year (2005)
- Multiple Forbes listings as the highest-paid female athlete
FAQs About Maria Sharapova Husband & Life
Q1: Who is Maria Sharapova’s husband?
Maria Sharapova is not officially married yet, but she is engaged to British entrepreneur Alexander Gilkes.
Q2: Does Maria Sharapova have children?
Yes. She has a son named Theodore, born on July 1, 2022.
Q3: When did Maria Sharapova get engaged?
She got engaged to Alexander Gilkes in December 2020.
Q4: Is Alexander Gilkes also Russian?
No. Alexander Gilkes is British, educated in England, and well-known in the art and business world.
Q5: How many Grand Slam titles does Maria Sharapova have?
She has five Grand Slam titles, including all four majors, making her part of the elite “Career Grand Slam” club.
Q6: What is Maria Sharapova doing after retirement?
She is focusing on her business ventures, including Sugarpova, making investments, and enjoying life with her fiancé and son.
Conclusion: Beyond “Maria Sharapova Husband”
The search for “maria sharapova husband” opens up a much larger story about resilience, success, and reinvention. Maria Sharapova is not just a tennis icon but a business leader, a mother, and a global inspiration. Her journey from a small town in Russia to the top of world tennis—and now to life as a mother and entrepreneur—is proof that true champions succeed both on and off the court.
Maria Sharapova continues to inspire millions, not just because of her victories but because of her ability to embrace every chapter of her life with grace, discipline, and strength.
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