Reports in Russia are speculating that tennis ace Maria Sharapova could be engaged to her British boyfriend – who is a close friend of Prince Harry – after she posted this snap of a huge diamond ring.
The rumours have emerged in Russian media after Sharapova posted an image of what appears to be a large diamond ring on a hand.
Russian tennis star Sharapova, 32, shocked her fans after making a social media post to her army of 3.7 million online followers where a hand could be seen wearing a large diamond ring.
The image shows a seemingly female hand wearing a large diamond ring with the words: “I provided mom with the responsibility to make it into a circle” written over it.
Maria Sharapova baked a cake 
Maria Sharapova baked a cake
The image has led media to speculate the Russian stunner is engaged to her boyfriend, British businessman Alexander Gilkes, 40.
Gilkes is reportedly good friends with both Prince Harry and Prince William and his ex-wife Misha Nonoo is said to be the person who introduced Prince Harry, 35, to his wife Meghan Markle, 38.
Several fans took to social media to express their happiness for the couple and to wish them good luck speculating on their marriage as netizen ‘murdaa’ said: “Shall we expect an engagement announcement?”
‘Gallax’ added: “Wishing them lots of luck. Such a beautiful couple, can’t wait for the wedding pictures.”
‘Foxi2012’ added: “I love this couple!”
However, despite media speculation on the engagement, other netizens were not fully convinced as ‘Shestnavosemnadtzat’ commented: “It might be her mother’s hand, not Maria’s.”
‘Linkedout’ added: “Based on Maria’s caption it is her mother’s hand.”
Local media report the post was made after Sharapova decided to bake a traditional Russian eight-layer honey cake to celebrate her mum Yelena Sharapova’s birthday.
Neither Sharapova nor Gilkes have commented on the reports.
Maria Sharapova 
Maria Sharapova
The couple was first rumoured to be dating in early January 2018 but the pair first confirmed their relationship in October that year, when both of them posted photos of a date in the Cotswolds.
The five-time Grand Slam winner has been struggling to get back into shape following her 15-month suspension from the World Tennis Association tour after failing a drug test.
She is reportedly set to miss the St Petersburg Open after suffering a right shoulder injury.
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Story By: Anastasia Smirnova, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport
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