Maria Sharapova announced on IG that she is engaged to her boyfriend Alexander Gilkes. Gilkes has royal connections – he attended Eton College with Prince William and remains friends with him. His brother, Charlie, once dated Pippa Middleton, sister of Duchess Catherine.

Gilkes was the founder of the auction house Paddle8 which specializes in art and collectibles. He sold the company in 2018 to The Native. In 2020, he founded Squared Circles with Lukas Derksen. The company invests in sustainable businesses that promise a better future. 

Gilkes was previously married to fashion designer Misha Nonoo but the couple divorced in 2017.

Sharapova retired in 2020 after struggling with injury. She won five grand slam singles titles in her career. Since her retirement, Sharapova has been an entrepreneur and investor.