“I said yes from the first day we met,” Maria Sharapova announces engagement with Alexander Gilkes

“I said yes from the first day we met,” Maria Sharapova announces engagement with Alexander Gilkes

Maria Sharapova and Alexander Gilkes

sharapova
Maria Sharapova and Alexander Gilkes

Maria Sharapova, five time Grandslam champion announced her retirement from tennis in February this year. At the time of retirement, she said, “I’m new to this, so please forgive me. Tennis—I’m saying goodbye,” during an interview with Vogue.

She had also mentioned that the decision to retire from tennis was made so that she could focus on her business ventures which includes the candy brand, Sugerpova. The former Russian tennis star has also decided to focus on her private life. She has been engaged to a British businessman, Alexander Gilkes which was revealed by the Russian in an Instagram post.

This was our little secret: Maria Sharapova on her engagement

Maria Sharapova 2
The Russian announced her engagement to Alexander Gilkes in an Instagram post

Maria Sharapova announced her engagement to Alexander Gilkes on Instagram. “I said yes from the first day we met. This was our little secret, wasn’t it,” she posted.

Gilkes also posted a message on Instagram, announcing his engagement with the Russian. “Thank you for making me a very very happy boy. I look forward to a lifetime of loving you, and learning from you,” he posted.

Almost a month ago, the couple was spotted dating and were even together at a few gatherings. Sharapova played her last professional match at the Australian Open 2020, where she lost to Donna Vekic in the first round. The Russian’s last professional victory came against the American, Alison Riske at Cincinnati 2019. Despite her poor record in the final stages of her career, she will continue to remain one of the most admired and followed athletes on tour.

Also Read: Maria Sharapova reveals when is the ideal time to quit for a tennis professional