29 June 2024 , 12:09
1073
0
Maria Sharapova has cheekily suggested her fiancee might not make it past the fashion police at Wimbledon.
The tennis icon, who clinched the title at SW19 back in 2004 as a 17-year-old, is all set for this year's event. She is set to be joined by her partner, British businessman Alexander Gilkes, if he's deemed suitably dressed, that is.
Taking to Instagram, where she boasts a whopping 5 million followers, Sharapova posted a video of Gilkes donning what looked like comfy house slippers as he tried out a new outfit, alongside the caption: "Um, is this gonna be allowed in the club? ".
Gilkes defended his sartorial selection, describing his shoes as a "modern" twist on "classic casual". However, Sharapova wasn't entirely sold on the idea, jokingly responding: "They might ask you to go get a new pair of shoes. Can't wait for a London's membership club take on 'Classic Casual'."
The couple, who went official with their romance in 2018 and announced their engagement two years later, welcomed their first child, Theodore, in July 2022. Sharapova, now 37, hung up her racket in 2020, penning a heartfelt retirement announcement.
Boris Becker “stronger” after prison stint as he posts New Year message to fans
Writing in Vanity Fair magazine, she pondered: "How do you leave behind the only life you've ever known?
YOUR TURN! Who are you tipping to win Wimbledon? Tell us in the comments section.
Maria Sharapova has joked about her partner's choice of footwear for Wimbledon ((Image: mariasharapova/Instagram))"How do you walk away from the courts you've trained on since you were a little girl, the game that you love one which brought you untold tears and unspeakable joys a sport where you found a family, along with fans who rallied behind you for more than 28 years? I'm new to this, so please forgive me. Tennis I'm saying goodbye."
After winning Wimbledon, Sharapova clinched the US Open in 2006, the Australian Open in 2008, and then celebrated French Open victories in 2012 and 2014. The US-based Russian is part of an elite club of just 10 women who have completed the prestigious career Grand Slam.