Many professional tennis players grew up inspired by their parents—think Maria Sakkari, Casper Ruud, or Sebastian Korda, all of whom picked up a racket because of family influence. But what happens when your mom is a five-time Grand Slam champion and former World No. 1?
That’s the situation for Theodore, son of Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova and her fiancé, Alexander Gilkes. The couple, together since 2018 and engaged in December 2020, welcomed Theodore on July 1, 2022. While fans occasionally catch glimpses of the family on social media, it seems the toddler isn’t quite ready to embrace tennis like his famous mom.
Sharapova recently shared a humorous moment on Instagram. On February 22, she posted Stories capturing Theodore’s brief attempt at tennis—and let’s just say, it didn’t last long. “It lasted less than a minute😂,” she wrote, adding that she had to continue playing alone. “I guess I’ll just play myself,” she joked.
It’s an amusing contrast considering how central tennis has been to Sharapova’s life. Just last year, she returned to the All England Club, not as a competitor, but as a former champion, accompanied by Gilkes and Theodore. She even showed her son her name on the list of Wimbledon winners—a moment steeped in history, though Theodore seemed more fascinated by his surroundings.
During the visit, Theodore waved at ball kids and watched reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz practice on an outdoor court—an experience any tennis fan would treasure.
Even surrounded by tennis history, Theodore appears to have his own interests, which Sharapova embraces wholeheartedly. Motherhood has given her a new source of joy and inspiration beyond the tennis court.
