While Sharapova may have retired from tennis, her future is still full of potential. She remains active in the business world, continues to share her life with her followers, and most importantly, is focused on raising her son
As Theodore grows, it will be interesting to see how Sharapova and Gilkes navigate parenthood and whether their son will follow in his mother’s athletic footsteps.
For now, Sharapova seems content with the life she has built post-retirement.
Her family is at the center of her world, and she continues to inspire her fans not just with her past accomplishments on the court but with her ability to balance a successful career and a fulfilling family life.
The future is bright for Sharapova, and her journey is one that many can look up to as she continues to evolve both personally and professionally.
Also Read: What Do Maria Sharapova and Erik Menendez Have in Common? A Beverly Hills Condo
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Maria Sharapova Family Time with Alexander Gilkes and Son Theodore
Maria Sharapova, the former tennis star, was recently spotted spending quality time with her fiancé Alexander Gilkes and their toddler son Theodore.1
The family appeared to be enjoying a relaxing weekend, as they were seen engaging in playful activities, including Gilkes testing out a toy machine at a playground and their son savoring a delicious croissant.
Since retiring from professional tennis, Sharapova has taken on new roles as a mother and partner, and she regularly shares glimpses of her family life on social media.
Let’s take a closer look at how this tennis icon has transitioned into her post-retirement life, the bond she shares with her family, and the values she upholds in this new chapter.
Cover of Numero NL out today 🖤🤍
photography @AgataSerge
styling @carolinaorrico
makeup @karayoshimotobua
hair @hairbyadir pic.twitter.com/ft1LtalT1Q— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) October 18, 2024
The Playground Adventure: Alexander Gilkes and the Sandbox Toy
One of the highlights of Sharapova’s recent weekend outing was a playful moment involving her fiancé Alexander Gilkes.
In a video shared by Sharapova on Instagram, Gilkes can be seen testing out a manual sandbox excavator, a toy commonly found in children’s playgrounds.
This hands-on activity is not just a source of amusement for children but apparently for adults, too! The video captures Gilkes’ playful spirit, showcasing the fun-loving dynamic that seems to define their family interactions.
For many parents, playgrounds are spaces where they bond with their children, and it’s heartwarming to see Gilkes fully engaged in the moment. His willingness to hop onto a children’s toy machine demonstrates a joyful and laid-back approach to fatherhood.
This moment offers a glimpse into how Sharapova and Gilkes balance parenthood with a sense of fun and playfulness, a key element in nurturing a happy and healthy family life.
Maria Sharapova and Alexander Gilkes: Theodore’s Weekend Treat
A Croissant Moment
Sharapova also shared an adorable snapshot of her son Theodore enjoying a croissant as part of his “weekend treat.”2
In the Instagram story, Theodore appears to be savoring the pastry, a moment that Sharapova clearly cherished enough to share with her followers.
Such simple pleasures reflect how the family is enjoying a more relaxed and peaceful lifestyle, away from the public pressures of competitive sports and business.
Food, particularly in the form of small indulgences like a croissant, often becomes symbolic of family bonding. Sharapova’s decision to capture this moment highlights the importance of savoring these everyday experiences, especially for someone who spent years in the fast-paced world of professional tennis.
This family-centered lifestyle reflects Sharapova’s ability to shift focus from her high-achieving, career-driven mindset to one that prioritizes quality time with her loved ones.
Sharapova’s Active Presence on Social Media
Since retiring from tennis, Sharapova has remained active on social media, where she regularly shares updates about her personal life, including her adventures as a mother.
Her Instagram account is a mix of family photos, glimpses into her fitness routine, and posts about her business ventures. These personal snapshots allow her fans to see a different side of her—one that is not focused on her athletic accomplishments but on her life beyond tennis.
For her followers, seeing Sharapova in this light has been refreshing. She has transformed from a tennis icon to a relatable figure who balances family, business, and personal interests.
Through social media, Sharapova connects with her audience on a more personal level, giving them access to her journey as a mother and partner. By sharing moments like Theodore’s croissant treat or Gilkes’ playful sandbox moment, she invites her followers into her world and shows the joy that comes with family life.
Balancing Business Ventures and Family Responsibilities
Despite the shift in her daily life, Sharapova has not stepped away from the business world. She continues to be involved in various entrepreneurial ventures, most notably her candy company, Sugarpova, which she launched in 2012.
Additionally, she has pursued roles in investment and mentorship, often offering her expertise and guidance to startups. Her business acumen is as impressive as her tennis skills, and she has seamlessly transitioned from athlete to entrepreneur.
However, Sharapova’s focus on her family is clear. She has spoken about the importance of balancing her professional commitments with her responsibilities as a mother.
In interviews, she has emphasized that motherhood has shifted her priorities, and while she continues to be ambitious in her business pursuits, she ensures that her family comes first.
This balancing act is one that many women in similar positions can relate to, and Sharapova’s ability to manage both aspects of her life with grace is admirable.
Maria Sharapova’s Relationship with Alexander Gilkes
Sharapova’s relationship with Alexander Gilkes has been one of mutual support and affection.3
Gilkes, a British businessman and co-founder of the online auction platform Paddle8, shares Sharapova’s entrepreneurial spirit.
The couple became engaged in 2020, and their relationship has been marked by a shared sense of adventure and a mutual respect for each other’s careers.
While Sharapova may have stepped back from the competitive world of tennis, she and Gilkes continue to pursue their professional goals while also making time for their family.
Their relationship appears to be built on a strong foundation of love, understanding, and shared values, which has only strengthened with the arrival of their son. Sharapova often expresses her gratitude for the life they have built together, and their playful interactions, as seen in the sandbox toy video, suggest that they truly enjoy each other’s company.
The Importance of Family in Sharapova’s Life
For Sharapova, family is clearly a top priority. In recent years, she has made a conscious effort to focus on her personal life, and the joy she derives from spending time with her fiancé and son is evident.
Her social media posts reflect the importance she places on creating lasting memories with her loved ones, whether it’s through playful activities at the playground or enjoying weekend treats.
The transition from the high-intensity world of professional sports to a more family-oriented lifestyle has not always been easy, but Sharapova has embraced it with grace.
She has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing motherhood with her entrepreneurial pursuits, but it is clear that her family brings her immense happiness and fulfillment.
Also Read: Who Is Alexander Gilkes? Meet Maria Sharapova Fiance, Career, Relationship, Kids And More
Alexander Gilkes: Bio
Early Life and Family Background
Alexander Mark Heming Gilkes was born in London, England, on July 16, 1979. He was raised in a highly intellectual and accomplished family.
His father, Jeremy Gilkes, is a respected dermatologist in the UK, and his mother, Robyn Gilkes, worked in the Department of Russian and Eastern European Studies at the prestigious University of Oxford.
This unique upbringing exposed Alexander to a blend of intellectual rigor and cultural sophistication from a young age, shaping the person he would become.
Growing up alongside his younger brother, Charlie Gilkes, Alexander had the advantage of a stable and affluent family life. His parents’ support and open-minded approach gave him and his brother the freedom to explore their interests and carve their own paths.
Despite this background, Alexander’s early interests did not align with his future as an art entrepreneur; instead, he was like many other children, enthusiastic about sports and excelling academically.
Education at Elite Institutions
- Alexander Gilkes attended the prestigious Eton College, a well-known institution in the UK that has produced many prominent figures, including members of the British royal family.
- It was during his time at Eton that Alexander formed lasting relationships with Prince Harry and Prince William, though he has always been careful not to reveal personal details about his connections with them, despite being asked frequently by the media.
- Eton College is known for its rigorous academic environment and its emphasis on molding future leaders, and Gilkes thrived in this environment.
- His time there was formative, and the school’s social networks played a significant role in his personal and professional development.
- After completing his studies at Eton, Alexander pursued higher education at the University of Bristol, where he studied Spanish and Russian.
- This period allowed him to expand his intellectual horizons and gain a broader cultural understanding, which would later prove valuable in his career.
- His fluency in multiple languages, combined with his background in the arts and humanities, enabled him to navigate international spaces with ease.
Alexander Gilkes: Career
Alexander Gilkes, a British-born entrepreneur, has established himself as a prominent figure in the auction and fine art industry.
After completing his education at Eton College and the University of Bristol, Gilkes began his professional career in the luxury industry. His early work with prestigious brands, notably Louis Vuitton, served as the bedrock for his future entrepreneurial ventures.
At Louis Vuitton, Gilkes gained invaluable insight into the world of high-end goods, networking with affluent clients and elite designers. His time here allowed him to understand the intricate balance between luxury, art, and commerce, skills that would later prove vital.
The experience was a stepping stone, equipping him with the knowledge and contacts necessary to transition into the auction world.
Transition to Auctioneering: The Phillips Experience
After gaining experience in the luxury goods industry, Gilkes made a significant career shift by joining Phillips, a renowned British auction house.
As an auctioneer at Phillips, Gilkes expanded his network and honed his skills in managing high-profile auctions. Phillips is known for its influence in the fine art world, conducting sales of contemporary art, watches, and jewelry, making it a perfect platform for Gilkes to gain further recognition.
At Phillips, Gilkes was tasked with overseeing auctions that attracted the attention of international art collectors and celebrities. His ability to navigate the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of auctions made him a standout figure, further preparing him for his future entrepreneurial endeavors.
Additionally, his work included serving as an auctioneer for notable charity events, like Madonna’s Raising Malawi and the Foundation for AIDS Research (AmfAR), which brought him into close contact with major philanthropic and artistic circles.
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Founding Paddle8: The Vision Behind a Digital Auction Platform
After years of experience in the art and luxury industries, Alexander Gilkes took the bold step of launching his own auction house.
In 2011, he co-founded Paddle8, an online auction platform, alongside partners Aditya Julka and Osman Khan. Gilkes’ vision was to create a digital platform that combined the tradition of high-end auctions with the convenience and accessibility of online commerce.
Unlike traditional auction houses, Paddle8 was designed to bring fine art, collectibles, and luxury goods to a broader audience by eliminating geographic constraints.
The platform primarily catered to younger, tech-savvy collectors who preferred the efficiency and speed of online transactions. Paddle8 offered them the opportunity to bid on a wide range of valuable items, including artworks, watches, and rare collectibles, without needing to attend physical auctions.
Innovation and Growth at Paddle8
- Within a few short years, Paddle8 grew at an extraordinary rate, distinguishing itself from more conventional auction houses.
- By 2014, the platform had recorded $35.8 million in sales, a significant leap from its earlier years. The company’s success was largely due to its innovative approach of blending technology with the art market.
- Paddle8 was not just about auctions but also included online exhibitions, giving buyers and sellers access to a curated collection of items from anywhere in the world.
- Its iPhone app made it convenient for users to place bids and keep track of auctions in real time. This use of technology to revolutionize the art market set Paddle8 apart and helped it attract a wide audience.
- Gilkes and his team also placed a strong emphasis on benefit auctions, working with over 300 non-profit organizations worldwide.
- Paddle8 hosted more than 500 benefit auctions, partnering with institutions like the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to raise funds for various causes.
- These philanthropic ventures not only expanded Paddle8’s reach but also helped solidify its reputation as a socially conscious company.
Also Read: What Do Maria Sharapova and Erik Menendez Have in Common? A Beverly Hills Condo
