Former World Number one tennis player Maria Sharapova hung her tennis racquets in February this year. She announced her retirement stating, “I’m new to this, so please forgive me. Tennis—I’m saying goodbye,” during an interview with Vogue.

Also, she mentioned focusing on her career as an entrepreneur and devoting time to her business ventures, including the likes of her candy brand Sugerpova. Along with those endeavors, Sharapova has also decided to concentrate on her personal life.

The former tennis superstar is engaged to a British businessman, Alexander Gilkes, who’s also in close relation with Prince William and Prince Harry from England’s Royal Family. According to reports, Alexander, Prince William, and Prince Harry went to the same school.

Maria Sharapova and Alexander Gilkes announce their betrothal on Instagram

Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova announced their engagement on Instagram.

“I said yes from the first day we met. This was our little secret, wasn’t it,” she posted.

Following the same, 41-year-old Gilkes posted, “Thank you for making me a very very happy boy. I look forward to a lifetime of loving you, and learning from you.”

Almost a month ago, the couple was spotted dating, and they were also witnessed together in quite a few gatherings.

Know more – Maria Sharapova Reportedly Dating Prince Harry’s Friend Alexander Gilkes

As a tennis player, 33-year-old Maria Sharapova played her last professional match at the Australian Open 2020. She lost her opening round match against Donna Vekic.

And before that, she had lost her penultimate match to qualifier Jennifer Brady in Brisbane in the opening round.

The Russian professional Sharapova’s last professional win came against Alison Riske in the first round of the Cincinnati Open in 2019.

Unfortunately, her career ended with a series of injuries and a win-less streak. Despite her shabby run on the professional circuit towards the end of her career, she will always be one of the most followed and admired athletes of all times.