Maria Sharapova, a great tennis player is most remembered for her commanding style of play and for her Grand Slam titles. This week, fans got to see a very different side of her. On July 1, 2025, Maria Sharapova celebrated a milestone with an emotional and trending post. The former World No.
Ju d 1 shared neither tennis-related content nor a brand update but a unique, personal, and loving moment with her young son. People around the world are now talking about this quiet but emotional celebration.
How Maria Sharapova shared a rare birthday moment hugging son Theodore tightly
Maria Sharapova celebrated Theodore’s third birthday on July 1, 2025, by sharing a beautiful photo on Instagram. In the photo, Maria Sharapova holds Theodore close in a lime green dress. Wearing a striped outfit, her son appears to be peaceful and cheerful in her arms.
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The party setup was simple and sweet. Past them were pastel-colored balloons in pale green, yellow, and white. A little inflatable horse added some enjoyment to the background. Since 2020 Maria Sharapova has been betrothed to Alexander Gilkes, a British corporate executive.
The pair began dating in 2018. On July 1, 2022, they greeted Theodore, their son. Maria Sharapova posted a picture of herself and Gilkes carrying their newborn soon after his birth and said: “Theodore VII•I•MMXXII The most beautiful, challenging, and rewarding gift our little family could ask for.”
Maria Sharapova opens up about motherhood and what she’s learning
In a 2024 interview with Tennis Channel, Maria Sharapova talked about life as a mom. She said parenting comes with a lot of learning. One of the biggest things she’s discovered is how much “negotiation” goes into daily life with a child.
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There’s a lot of negotiation skills that go on with parenthood,” she said. “You’ve got to give something to take something.”
Maria Sharapova also shared that watching her son grow and explore has become the most special part of her life.“It’s been one of the best things that’s happened to me in my life,” she said, adding that Theodore has long eyelashes that she truly loves. Maria Sharapova retired from tennis in 2020 with five Grand Slam titles and a silver Olympic medal.