18 December 2020

Former tennis star Maria Sharapova announces engagement to Alexander Gilkes

Former Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova has announced her engagement to British businessman Alexander Gilkes.

The 33 year-old has been dating Gilkes, 41, since October 2018, and revealed the news on Instagram with a black and white picture of the pair along with a series of videos.

The former world No 1 wrote: “I said yes from the first day we met. This was our little secret, wasn't it.”

Sharapova won five Grand Slams during her career before she announced her retirement in February.

Gilkes also posted the happy news on Instagram.

He said: “Thank you for making me a very very happy boy. I look forward to a lifetime of loving you, and learning from you.”

Gilkes was previously married for four years to fashion designer Misha Nonoo, a friend of Meghan Markle, before they split in 2016.

Celebrities were quick to congratulate the pair, as actress Lily Collins said: “Ahhhhh yessss congratulations!!!”

British filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson added: “So happy for you both!!!”

And Australian model Lara Worthington wrote: “Aww Congratulations.”

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