Maria Sharapova Family Tree: The Story Behind Tennis's 5-Time Slam Champion

Maria Yuryevna Sharapova, born 19 April 1987 in Nyagan, Tyumen Oblast, Russia, is a Russian former tennis player — 5 Grand Slam singles titles (Wimbledon 2004, US Open 2006, Australian Open 2008, French Open 2012, 2014); 21 weeks at WTA No. 1; Olympic silver 2012. Career Grand Slam completed at 25.

The Family's Roots: A Russian Family Displaced by Chernobyl

Family moved from Belarus to Siberia in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster (parents were originally from Homel, Belarus, near Chernobyl).

Her Parents

Father: Yuri Sharapov — Russian; moved his family to Florida when Maria was 7 to fund her tennis career.

Mother: Yelena Sharapova — Russian.

Her Ex-Fiancés

Sasha Vujačić — Slovenian NBA player (LA Lakers). Engaged 2010; separated 2012.

Grigor Dimitrov — Bulgarian tennis player. Dated 2012-2015.

Her Partner: Alexander Gilkes

Alexander Gilkes, born 1979 — British art auctioneer and Paddle8 co-founder. Engaged December 2020.

Their Son

Theodore Sharapov Gilkes, born 1 July 2022 — son.

The Sharapova Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Yuri Sharapov.

Mother: Yelena Sharapova.

Ex-Fiancé: Sasha Vujačić (eng. 2010, sep. 2012) — NBA player.

Partner: Alexander Gilkes (b. 1979; eng. December 2020) — British art auctioneer.

Son: Theodore (b. 1 July 2022).

Maria Sharapova:

  • Born 19 April 1987, Nyagan
  • Family moved to Sochi, then to Bradenton, Florida (Nick Bollettieri academy) when she was 7
  • Turned pro April 2001 at 13
  • First Grand Slam: 2004 Wimbledon (age 17 — youngest since Sharapova countrywoman Maria Bueno)
  • 5 Grand Slam titles: Wimbledon (2004), US Open (2006), Australian Open (2008), French Open (2012, 14) — career Grand Slam
  • 21 weeks at WTA No. 1
  • 36 WTA singles titles
  • Olympic silver: 2012 London
  • Meldonium suspension: March 2016; 15-month ban
  • Career prize money $38+ million
  • Retired: February 2020

What the Sharapova Family Story Teaches Us

Parents displaced by Chernobyl. A father who moved his 7-year-old daughter to Florida to fund her tennis dream. A British art-auctioneer partner. A son born in 2022. A career that produced 5 Grand Slams and one of the sport's most-recognisable brands.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Sharapova story carries the same lesson. Some careers cross Siberia, Florida academies, and Grand Slam glory.

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