Former tennis star Maria Sharapova proved she still turns heads as she enjoyed a boat ride in Venice alongside her fiancé, British businessman Alexander Gilkes. The 38-year-old, who retired from professional tennis in 2020, was spotted relaxing in a chic black bikini while spending time with friends on the water.
Sharapova, who is believed to be in Italy for the Venice Film Festival, looked radiant as she soaked up the sun and chatted with Gilkes. The pair have been together since 2018 and got engaged in December 2020. Before their romance, Sharapova was engaged to Slovenian basketball player Sasha Vujacic and also dated fellow tennis player Grigor Dimitrov.
The Russian legend stepped away from the sport after nearly two decades at the top, during which she won five Grand Slam titles. She first burst onto the scene in 2004, winning Wimbledon at just 17 years old, and later claimed victories at the US Open, Australian Open, and French Open, completing a career Grand Slam by 2012. Her final major win came at Roland Garros in 2014.
Though retired, Sharapova still keeps a close eye on the tennis world. At the time, the US Open was in full swing with Naomi Osaka and British rising star Emma Raducanu advancing to the third round, while Novak Djokovic was chasing history with the chance to secure a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title.
