Maria Sharapova appeared to reveal motherhood on social media when she changed her status on July 1, posting the word “mom” with a bear cub emoji. The bear emoji plays off the name of her son, Theodore, prompting fans to nickname her the “mother of a bear cub.”
For about two weeks, Sharapova did not confirm the fan speculation. On July 15, she shared a family photo that included three people, signaling that the prediction had been true.
The caption on the image read: “Theodore, VII-I-MMXXII, the most beautiful, demanding and deserved gift our little family can only dream of.”
Her partner Gilks responded to the birth with a lighthearted remark:
“Theo, I hope you inherit your mother’s coordination, not your father’s muscle memory. We love you.”
He also reposted a Vogue photo of Sharapova on social networks, pairing it with the same bear emoji and the caption “Mom.”
Earlier in their relationship, Gilks had shared numerous affectionate messages for Sharapova. In May, he wrote, “I can’t wait to meet our child and see what a wonderful mother she will be, while I finish my course on unfamiliar vegetables and fruits.”
In April, he offered a playful birthday message: “Happy birthday my love. The older I get, the more likely I am to beat you in at least one match. Or not.”
Sharapova and Gilks began dating in 2018. The couple was photographed together at Los Angeles airport, where they were seen leaving in a taxi after a brief appearance with paparazzi.
They announced their engagement in December 2020. Sharapova wrote on social media about the moment, describing it as a shared secret from the start. Gilks replied with warmth, thanking her for the happiness she brought into his life and pledging lifelong love.
Gilks presented Sharapova with a custom rose-gold ring featuring a five-carat emerald-cut diamond. Reports suggested the ring carried a substantial price tag, reportedly around $400,000.
Sharapova publicly revealed pregnancy in 2021 after months of keeping the news private. On her April 19, 2022, birthday, she posted a holiday photo from Bali that showed a clearly rounded belly, captioned with a playful note about sharing a birthday cake for two. Gilks stood by her side, sharing a photo of the expectant partner.
There is a shared hope that this renowned couple will find lasting happiness. Their child could pursue athletics at a high level or explore the arts, given the family’s diverse talents and interests.
Sharapova’s on-court achievements remain notable: she has claimed 39 WTA titles, including five Grand Slam titles and a WTA Finals trophy. She is the only Russian woman, and one of ten players worldwide, to win all four majors—the Australian Open, the US Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon.
Gilks has also built substantial success outside the sport, notably in the art world through the Paddle8 auction platform, one of the largest online venues for art trading. His financial standing has been described as substantial, reflecting years of business activity beyond tennis.
In addition to personal milestones, Gilks’s connections through education and social circles have included encounters with notable figures from British society. His ongoing business interests include an investment firm and various ventures that intersect with arts, media, and culture.
Overall, the couple’s story blends professional triumph with family life, suggesting a future where their children may choose paths in either professional sports or the creative arts. Through today’s visibility, the pair remains a focal point for fans who follow both Sharapova’s athletic legacy and Gilks’s entrepreneurial pursuits.