Maria Sharapova, the Russian former tennis champion who retired from professional tennis in 2020, has built a life focused on family, business ventures, and philanthropy following her storied career on the court. Her partnership with Alexander Gilkes has drawn considerable public interest, with fans seeking details about the man who shares her life. The couple’s relationship, which began in 2018, has been marked by significant milestones including the birth of their son and their engagement announcement in late 2020.
Gilkes brings a distinguished background in the art and auction industry to the relationship, having established himself as a prominent businessman through various ventures in New York and London. His career trajectory and connections within the art world have made him a notable figure in his own right, complementing Sharapova’s prominence in the sports world.
Understanding the details of their relationship, family life, and Gilkes’s background provides insight into how two accomplished individuals from different spheres found common ground and built a life together following Sharapova’s retirement from tennis.
Who is Maria Sharapova’s Husband?
Maria Sharapova’s partner is Alexander Mark Heming Gilkes, a British businessman born in July 1979 in Camden, London, England. Some sources cite his specific birth date as July 16, 1979, placing him at 46 years old as of 2026. His zodiac sign is Cancer, and he stands at approximately 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) tall.
Gilkes received his education at Eton College and the University of Bristol, institutions that positioned him well for his future career in business and the arts. His professional journey has been notable, encompassing roles in prestigious auction houses and entrepreneurial ventures that have established his reputation in the art and digital commerce industries.
Regarding marital status, sources vary in their terminology. While some publications refer to Gilkes as Sharapova’s husband, it is more accurate to describe him as her fiancé, as their engagement was announced on December 17, 2020, but no official wedding date has been publicly confirmed as of the latest available reports. The couple has been together since January 2018 and shares one child born in 2022.
Key Facts About Alexander Gilkes
- Served as auctioneer at Phillips de Pury & Company and held positions with LVMH in New York
- Co-founded and served as president of Paddle8 (2011-2018), an online auction house that processed over $140 million in sales by 2015
- Co-founded Squared Circles in 2020, a venture studio focusing on science, technology, and culture
- Holds a board position at the New York Academy of Art
- Has connections to British royalty, including Prince William and Prince Harry
- Recognized by publications including Fast Company, Vanity Fair, GQ, and Art+Auction
- Net worth estimated between $20-25 million as of recent reports
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Husband Name | Alexander Gilkes |
| Birth Year | 1979 |
| Nationality | British |
| Relationship Start | January 2018 |
| Engagement | December 17, 2020 |
| Children | 1 son (Theodore, born 2022) |
| Previous Marriage | Misha Nonoo (2012-2017) |
| Current Status | Engaged |
Does Maria Sharapova Have Kids?
Maria Sharapova and Alexander Gilkes share one child together, a son named Theodore Gilkes, affectionately nicknamed Theo. Theodore was born on July 1, 2022, marking a significant milestone in the couple’s relationship and family life.
Sharapova has spoken publicly about the experience of motherhood, describing the birth of her son as the “most beautiful, challenging, and rewarding gift.” This sentiment, shared in interviews and social media posts, reflects the profound impact that parenthood has had on her life following her retirement from professional tennis.
Family Life and Privacy
The couple maintains a relatively private life focused on family, business endeavors, and philanthropic activities. They frequently appear together at public events, but have chosen to keep many details of their family life away from the spotlight.
Social media posts have offered glimpses into their family moments, including Mother’s Day tributes honoring both Sharapova and Gilkes’s mother, Robyn. These glimpses suggest a close-knit family unit that values both tradition and the establishment of their own family traditions.
While the couple shares select moments on social media, they have deliberately maintained privacy around their son Theodore. No images of the child have been publicly released, reflecting their commitment to protecting his privacy while still allowing fans to share in their joy.
As of the latest available reports, no additional children have been reported in the family. Theodore, now approaching his fourth birthday, represents the couple’s first and only child together.
How Old is Maria Sharapova’s Husband?
Alexander Gilkes was born in July 1979, making him 46 years old as of 2026. Some sources cite his specific birth date as July 16, 1979, which would place him firmly in the Cancer zodiac sign category. Maria Sharapova, for her part, was born on April 19, 1987, making her 38 years old as of 2026.
The eight-year age difference between Gilkes and Sharapova has not appeared to create any barriers in their relationship. Both individuals have established successful careers and share compatible interests in business, technology, investments, and wellness.
Generational Connections and Shared Interests
Gilkes’s experience in the art and auction industry, combined with Sharapova’s entrepreneurial ventures including her successful Sugarpova candy brand, demonstrates their shared interest in building and managing businesses. Their complementary skill sets and professional backgrounds may contribute to the strength of their partnership.
While age difference between partners can sometimes draw attention, Gilkes and Sharapova appear to have built their relationship on shared values and mutual interests. Both have transitioned from demanding professional careers into entrepreneurial pursuits, creating natural common ground in their daily lives.
At 46, Gilkes brings maturity and business experience to the relationship, while at 38, Sharapova has already achieved legendary status in tennis and continues to build her post-retirement career. Their respective ages at this stage of life suggest a stable foundation for their long-term partnership and co-parenting of their young son.
Who Was Maria Sharapova’s First Husband?
This question requires clarification, as Maria Sharapova has not previously been married. Alexander Gilkes, however, was married before entering into a relationship with Sharapova. From May 2012 until their divorce was finalized in summer 2017, Gilkes was married to Misha Nonoo, a British-Bahraini fashion designer.
Alexander Gilkes’s Previous Marriage
Gilkes and Misha Nonoo married in Venice, Italy, in May 2012. The couple established their home in New York City following their wedding. Their marriage lasted approximately five years, though one source erroneously states a twelve-year duration.
The divorce was finalized in summer 2017, clearing the way for Gilkes to begin his relationship with Sharapova in January 2018. Sources confirm that Nonoo was Gilkes’s only prior spouse, and no other marriages or spouses have been reported for him.
Maria Sharapova has not had a previous husband. Alexander Gilkes was previously married to Misha Nonoo, but Sharapova herself has not been married before her engagement to Gilkes. Some media outlets may use the term “husband” loosely when referring to Gilkes, but his correct designation is fiancé until their wedding takes place.
Following their divorce, both Gilkes and Nonoo have continued with their respective careers. Nonoo has maintained her presence in the fashion industry, while Gilkes focused on his business ventures before beginning his relationship with Sharapova.
A Timeline of Their Relationship
Understanding the progression of Alexander Gilkes and Maria Sharapova’s relationship provides context for where they stand today. The following timeline outlines key events in their journey together. To understand more about Alexander Gilkes, you can read his Krzysztof Bosak biografia.
- May 2012: Alexander Gilkes marries fashion designer Misha Nonoo in Venice, Italy; the couple resides in New York City.
- Summer 2017: Gilkes and Nonoo’s divorce is finalized, ending approximately five years of marriage.
- January 2018: Gilkes begins his relationship with Maria Sharapova, who had retired from professional tennis in 2020.
- December 17, 2020: The couple announces their engagement, sharing the news publicly with fans and media.
- July 1, 2022: Sharapova and Gilkes welcome their first child together, a son named Theodore (Theo).
- Current: The engaged couple continues their relationship, focused on family, business ventures, and philanthropy.
This timeline reflects a relationship that has developed steadily over several years, from initial meeting through engagement and into parenthood. The couple appears to prioritize their family life while maintaining their individual professional pursuits and shared interests in business and culture.
What We Know and What Remains Unclear
While substantial information exists about Alexander Gilkes and his relationship with Maria Sharapova, certain details remain ambiguous or unconfirmed. Understanding both what is established and what requires further verification provides a complete picture.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Gilkes born July 1979 in London | Exact wedding date (engaged 2020, no public ceremony confirmation) |
| Relationship began January 2018 | Whether couple has married since engagement |
| Son Theodore born July 1, 2022 | Details about Theodore’s upbringing and education plans |
| Gilkes previously married to Misha Nonoo (2012-2017) | Current status of wedding plans |
| Gilkes co-founded Paddle8 and Squared Circles | Specific details about Sharapova and Gilkes’s joint business ventures |
| Net worth estimated at $20-25 million | Whether couple has additional children |
The discrepancy between sources calling Gilkes a “husband” versus “fiancé” reflects the ambiguity surrounding the couple’s official marital status. While the engagement was confirmed in December 2020, no subsequent announcement regarding a wedding ceremony has been made public. Readers should be aware that some media coverage may use terminology that has not been officially confirmed.
Their Meeting and Shared Interests
Alexander Gilkes and Maria Sharapova met following Sharapova’s retirement from professional tennis in 2020, though their relationship began in January 2018, before her official retirement announcement. Their meeting occurred through mutual connections in New York and London social and business circles.
The couple shares interests in technology, investments, and wellness. Sharapova has built her post-tennis career around her Sugarpova brand and various business investments, while Gilkes has continued his work in the art industry and venture creation through Squared Circles. These shared professional interests may contribute to the strength of their personal partnership.
Gilkes’s background in the art world and connections to British royalty have positioned him as a prominent figure in both New York and London society. His recognition by outlets like Fast Company, Vanity Fair, GQ, and Art+Auction reflects his standing in the art and business communities. For Sharapova, whose tennis career took her around the world, this social positioning may have facilitated their introduction through overlapping social and professional networks.
Despite their public profiles, the couple has maintained relative privacy about their family life. They frequently attend events together, including charitable functions and art world gatherings, but have been selective about sharing personal details. Their approach to privacy, particularly regarding their son, demonstrates their commitment to maintaining normalcy for their family despite their public profiles.
Sources and Quotes
Information about Alexander Gilkes and his relationship with Maria Sharapova has been gathered from multiple sources, including biographical entries, news reports, and interviews. Key sources include Wikipedia’s biographical entry for Alexander Gilkes, which provides foundational details about his career and personal history.
“The most beautiful, challenging, and rewarding gift.”
— Maria Sharapova, describing the birth of her son Theodore
Additional reporting has come from outlets including the Times of India, which profiled Gilkes in the context of his relationship with Sharapova, highlighting his business career and estimated fortune of approximately $20 million. The Pro Football Network has covered the couple’s social media activity and public appearances, providing insight into their relationship dynamics.
People.com has provided coverage focusing on the couple’s relationship timeline and public life, while WhoSdatedWho.com offers biographical details about Gilkes’s personal history including his previous marriage. These sources collectively provide a comprehensive picture of Gilkes’s background, career, and relationship with Sharapova, though readers should note that terminology regarding marital status varies between sources.
Summary
Alexander Gilkes is Maria Sharapova’s fiancé, having announced their engagement on December 17, 2020. Born in July 1979 in London, Gilkes brings an impressive background in the art and auction industry to the relationship, having co-founded Paddle8 and currently leading Squared Circles. The couple shares one child, Theodore, born July 1, 2022. Gilkes was previously married to fashion designer Misha Nonoo from 2012 to 2017. Their relationship began in January 2018, following Sharapova’s retirement from professional tennis. While some media sources refer to Gilkes as Sharapova’s husband, the accurate designation is fiancé, as no wedding date has been officially confirmed. For readers interested in other tennis players’ personal lives, explore our profile on Venus Williams Husband.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Maria Sharapova?
Maria Sharapova was born on April 19, 1987, making her 38 years old as of 2026.
What is Maria Sharapova’s net worth?
Maria Sharapova’s net worth is estimated at around $18 million, accumulated through her tennis career, endorsements, and business ventures including the Sugarpova brand.
What is Alexander Gilkes’s net worth?
Alexander Gilkes’s net worth is estimated between $20-25 million as of recent reports, derived from his business ventures in the art and auction industry.
Where did Alexander Gilkes go to school?
Alexander Gilkes attended Eton College and the University of Bristol in England.
What companies did Alexander Gilkes co-found?
Gilkes co-founded Paddle8 (2011-2018), an online auction house for fine art and collectibles, and Squared Circles (2020), a venture studio focused on science, technology, and culture.
Who was Alexander Gilkes married to before Maria Sharapova?
Alexander Gilkes was previously married to British-Bahraini fashion designer Misha Nonoo from May 2012 until their divorce was finalized in summer 2017.
What is Theodore Gilkes’s birth date?
Theodore Gilkes was born on July 1, 2022. His parents have described him as the “most beautiful, challenging, and rewarding gift.”
Has Maria Sharapova announced a wedding date?
As of the latest available reports, Maria Sharapova and Alexander Gilkes have not announced a specific wedding date despite their engagement announcement in December 2020.
What is Alexander Gilkes’s height?
Alexander Gilkes stands at approximately 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) tall.
How did Alexander Gilkes and Maria Sharapova meet?
The couple met through mutual connections in New York and London social and business circles following Sharapova’s tennis career. They began their relationship in January 2018.
