Former world number one Maria Sharapova on Tuesday used the occasion of her 35th birthday to announce that she was pregnant with her first child.
The Russian five-time Grand Slam champion, who retired from the sport in 2020, shared the news on Instagram to her 4.2 million followers.
"Precious beginnings!!!," she wrote alongside a photo of her standing on a beach and smiling.
"Eating birthday cake for two has always been my specialty."
In December, Sharapova and British businessman Alexander Gilkes announced their engagement.
Although she competed under the Russian flag during her career - and is the only Russian woman to have won a career Grand Slam - Sharapova has lived in the United States since she came to the country as a young tennis prodigy.
'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another' face off at drama-filled Oscars
Cillian Murphy returns to 'Peaky Blinders' world with new film 'The Immortal Man'
UAE National Orchestra releases musical tribute honouring nation’s defenders
'Stealth' Pokemon hit boosts Nintendo Switch 2 momentum sentiment
Seoul to toughen security for massive BTS comeback concert
