Maria Sharapova reveals why she and fiancé Alexander Gilkes put their wedding plans on hold. The former tennis star opens up about motherhood, family life, and her next chapter after retirement.
💍 Why Maria Sharapova and Alexander Gilkes Have Delayed Their Wedding
Maria Sharapova has revealed the reason behind her delayed wedding with fiancé Alexander Gilkes. The tennis icon shared that the couple originally planned a big wedding, but everything changed when she became pregnant with their son, Theodore.
“We were going to have a big wedding and then I got pregnant… We haven’t actually scheduled a new wedding yet. Perhaps in the next couple of years,”
she told People magazine.
The five-time Grand Slam champion got engaged to Gilkes in 2020 and welcomed their first child in October 2022. Despite being engaged for four years, they remain focused on parenting and their professional pursuits.
👶Parenthood Takes Priority Over the Aisle
Maria Sharapova expressed no urgency about getting married, highlighting the joy they’ve found in raising their son. She also noted that Gilkes recently launched a company, making their schedules even more demanding.
“We’re not in a rush. We’re just so excited about Theo… Between work and parenting, there’s just so much going on right now,”
she added.
The couple’s relaxed attitude toward tying the knot reflects their focus on family and building a stable, fulfilling life post-tennis and entrepreneurship.
🎾 Life After Tennis: Sharapova’s New Chapter
Since retiring at the 2020 Australian Open, Sharapova has transitioned into a business career. She has invested in various companies and joined the board of luxury fashion brand Moncler.
Reflecting on motherhood, Sharapova said:
“I feel like I made the choice at the right time… I have a healthy distance from tennis. I was ready for a new chapter in life.”
Her graceful move away from the sport has allowed her to fully embrace her roles as a mother, partner, and entrepreneur.
🌍 Balancing Family Life Between California and Europe
Maria also shared how she and Gilkes divide their time between continents to accommodate family and cultural roots.
“We spend more time in California since having our son, but also my fiancé’s British. So we spend summers in Europe.”
Despite the challenges of balancing motherhood with work and travel, Sharapova calls parenting Theodore one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.
