Tennis icon Maria Sharapova might have five Grand Slam titles under her belt, but her latest adventure in Tokyo had nothing to do with rackets or courts—and everything to do with tuna, fishmongers, and an early morning escapade led by none other than her fiancé, Alexander Gilkes.
Currently celebrating her birthday in Japan, the retired tennis star took to social media to share snippets of her trip, which took an unexpected turn when Gilkes, a British businessman and art auctioneer, decided to kick-start the day with a pre-dawn excursion to Tokyo’s iconic Toyosu Fish Market.
“Dragged to a fish market at 4 am on my birthday,” Sharapova captioned one of her Instagram stories, accompanied by a candid photo of her bundled up against the chilly morning air, surrounded by crates of fresh seafood and the bustling energy of the market. “Thanks, @gilkesa,” she added with a wink emoji, clearly poking fun at her fiancé’s ambitious sightseeing schedule.
The Toyosu Fish Market, which replaced the legendary Tsukiji Market, is renowned for its tuna auctions and authentic Japanese seafood experience. Tourists often wake up before dawn just to witness the famed auction in person, but for Sharapova, it was a new and slightly unexpected way to mark another year of life.
Despite the early hour, the 37-year-old seemed to embrace the adventure with her trademark grace and humor. Later in the day, she shared a montage of highlights from the trip—sumptuous meals, serene strolls through Tokyo’s streets, and traditional Japanese architecture—all suggesting that while the morning started unconventionally, the overall celebration was nothing short of magical.
Gilkes, who is known for his cultured background and refined tastes, seems to have curated a deeply immersive experience for his fiancée. From sushi breakfasts at sunrise to exploring the heart of Japanese culinary tradition, the birthday trip clearly aimed for more than just luxury—it was about authenticity and connection.
Fans, of course, had a field day with Sharapova’s posts. Comments flooded in with laughter and admiration. “If Maria Sharapova can be dragged to a fish market at 4 am, love is real,” one fan quipped. Another wrote, “Gilkes is brave! Not everyone can interrupt a queen’s sleep and live to tell the tale.”
Sharapova’s playful demeanor highlighted the couple’s close bond and shared love for travel and discovery. Since her retirement from professional tennis in 2020, Sharapova has seamlessly transitioned into entrepreneurship, motherhood, and global exploration, often sharing glimpses of her jet-setting lifestyle with fans across her platforms.
The couple got engaged in December 2020 and welcomed their first child, Theodore, in July 2022. Since then, they’ve kept much of their family life relatively private, but every now and then, the world gets a charming peek into their world—and this Tokyo trip was one of those rare, delightful windows.
Sharapova’s journey through Japan also comes amid her continuous involvement in various global ventures. As the founder of the candy brand Sugarpova, an investor in several wellness startups, and a board member for tech and fashion companies, Sharapova’s calendar is as packed as ever. That’s why fans found her willingness to wake up before sunrise for seafood even more admirable—and amusing.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the pair has gone viral for their travel choices. During a previous vacation, Gilkes reportedly surprised Sharapova with a sunrise hike that ended with her napping on a mountain ledge. If there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s that Alexander Gilkes has a penchant for sunrise adventures—and Maria Sharapova has a sense of humor strong enough to keep up with it.
As her birthday trip continued, Sharapova posted several more images from luxurious spas, charming back-alley eateries, and peaceful temple visits, showing that the trip was as rejuvenating as it was exciting. No word yet on whether the couple plans to stay in Japan longer or head off to their next destination, but one thing is certain: Maria Sharapova knows how to live life with elegance, spontaneity, and a smile—even when woken up before the sun.
In a world where celebrity birthdays often involve yachts, red carpets, or over-the-top parties, Maria Sharapova’s choice to dive headfirst into cultural immersion—complete with fish scales and foggy breath—is both refreshing and relatable.
And if her playful jab at Gilkes is anything to go by, she wouldn’t have had it any other way.
