Maria Sharapova announces she’s pregnant on 35th birthday

Maria Sharapova and her fiancé, Alexander Gilkes, are expecting their first child together.

According to The Associated Press, the former tennis star, who celebrated her 35th birthday Tuesday, took to Instagram to share the news.

“Precious beginnings!!! Eating birthday cake for two has always been my specialty,” she captioned the post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CcjQPQ9sn2R/

Sharapova earned five Grand Slam titles before she announced her retirement in February 2020, the AP reported. She revealed her engagement later that year, according to the news agency.

– The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Photos: Maria Sharapova through the years

Here are some memorable photos of tennis star Maria Sharapova through the years.

2002: Maria Sharapova of Russia poses during a photo shoot feature held in Indian Wells, California, on March 3, 2002.

2003: Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates after her victory against Jelena Dokic of Yugoslavia during Day 6 of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club on June 28, 2003, in London.

2004: Maria Sharapova of Russia poses with her trophy after she won against Serena Williams of USA in the ladies final match at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship on July 3, 2004, at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in LondonSharapova won 6-1 6-4.

2005: Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates winning at match point against Nadia Petrova of Russia during the eighth day of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship on June 28, 2005, at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.

2006: Maria Sharapova of Russia poses during the Pink Pool Party Press Call, in the lead up to the Australian Open on January 12, 2006, in Melbourne, Australia.

2007: Maria Sharapova returns a shot against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland during day six of the 2007 U.S. Open at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 1, 2007, in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

2008: Maria Sharapova of Russia holds aloft the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after winning the women’s final match against Ana Ivanovic of Serbia on Day 13 of the Australian Open 2008 at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2008, in Melbourne, Australia.

2009: Tennis player Maria Sharapova attends a cocktail party honoring two greats at their game hosted by InStyle and Tiffany & Co. at the Cooper Square Hotel – Penthouse on August 25, 2009, in New York City.

2010: Brand Collaboration award winner Maria Sharapova attends the 14th annual ACE Awards presented by the Accessories Council at Cipriani 42nd Street on November 1, 2010, in New York City.

2011: Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates after defeating Anastasiya Yakimova of Belarus during Day 3 of the 2011 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2011, in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

2012: Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates with the trophy after defeating Na Li of China during their final match during Day 9 of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia 2012 at the Foro Italico Tennis Centre on May 20, 2012, in Rome, Italy.

2013: Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates after defeating Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark in straight sets to win the women’s final match of the 2013 BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 17, 2013, in Indian Wells, California.

2013: Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates victory after winning her match against Caroline Garcia of France during day two of the 2014 Brisbane International at Queensland Tennis Centre on December 30, 2013, in Brisbane, Australia.

2015: Maria Sharapova enjoys her free time in Acapulco while in town for the Abierto Mexicano Telcel Tennis Tournament on February 21, 2015, in Acapulco, Mexico.

2016: Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates winning her fourth round match against Belinda Bencic of Switerland during Day 7 of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2016, in Melbourne, Australia.

2017: Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates winning her first round Women’s Singles match against Simona Halep of Romania on Day 1 of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 28, 2017, in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

2018: Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates winning her first round match against Tatjana Maria of Germany on Day 2 of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 16, 2018, in Melbourne, Australia.

2019: Alexander Gilkes and Maria Sharapova attend the 2019 Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2019, in New York City.

2020: Maria Sharapova poses with the Australian Open trophies ahead of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 12, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia.

2021: Maria Sharapova attends the 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021, in New York City.