2 days Ago By Joshua Jones
A FORMER Wimbledon champion stole the show in the Royal Box - 20 years on from her sensational victory. Aged just 17, she announced herself on the global stage by winning the ladies' singles in 2004, beating Serena Williams in the final. That also secured her life membership at the prestigious club in South-West London.
And today Maria Sharapova headed back to SW19, this time as a guest in the Royal Box . The Russian, who retired from tennis in 2020 , was joined by her fiance Alexander Gilkes in the posh seats. The pair are both enjoying plenty of success in the business world with their growing empire .
Together since 2018, they got engaged in December 2020 and welcomed their son 18 months later. Sharapova got the perfect view to watch her Russian compatriot Daniil Medvedev on Centre, with the No5 seed facing Alexandre Muller before Naomi Osaka vs Emma Navarri. Finishing off Centre for the day is world No1 Jannik Sinner up against fellow Italian and 2021 finalist Matteo Berrettini.
Also invited into the Royal Box on Day Three was another former tennis star Daniela Hantuchova. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER S 🍓 WE'VE got Wimbledon covered - with our top team at the home of tennis. 🍓 Read all the latest news and gossip from SW19 in our BRILLIANT LIVE BLOG.
Ironically, Sharapova had a 9-1 winning record against the Slovak - including a 6-3 6-1 win in the third round during that memorable 2004 run at Wimbledon. There was more sporting royalty alongside them .
