Maria Sharapova’s fiancé, Alexander Gilkes, recently responded to an emotional message shared by Felix Auger-Aliassime on social media after the Canadian’s tough defeat to World No. 2 Jannik Sinner in the final of the 2025 Paris Masters on Sunday, November 2. The match marked the end of an impressive week for Auger-Aliassime, who arrived in Paris hoping to extend the momentum he had built throughout the season. Earlier in the year, he captured titles in Adelaide, Montpellier, and Brussels, showcasing some of the strongest tennis of his career.
During his campaign at the Paris Masters, Auger-Aliassime put together a noteworthy run. He earned victories over Francisco Comesana, Alexandre Muller, Daniel Altmaier, Valentin Vacherot, and Alexander Bublik, securing his place in the championship match. His opponent, Italy’s Jannik Sinner, has been one of the most dominant players on the ATP Tour, and the final proved to be a demanding battle. Despite giving a determined performance, Auger-Aliassime ultimately fell short, losing 4–6, 6–7(4).
After the loss, the Canadian took to Instagram to reflect on his week in Paris and express his gratitude to those who supported him. In a heartfelt note, he described the tournament as “a truly beautiful week of fighting,” thanking both his team and his family for the encouragement that continues to motivate him through challenging moments. He also shared his appreciation for the Parisian crowd, praising the energy in the arena and celebrating the event’s commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for players year after year.
Auger-Aliassime concluded his message by congratulating Sinner and his team, acknowledging the Italian’s remarkable form and influence on the competitive field. He mentioned that their rivalry—stretching from friendly FIFA matches off-court to intense showdowns on-court—continues to push him to improve. The message resonated with fans and fellow athletes, drawing numerous reactions across the tennis community.
Among those who engaged with the post was Alexander Gilkes, the British businessman who became engaged to Maria Sharapova in 2020 and shares a son with her. Gilkes responded with a pair of encouraging emoji—raised hands and clapping—signaling his support for Auger-Aliassime after the emotionally taxing final.
While the Canadian’s run in Paris was widely praised, his plans immediately following the tournament drew significant attention as well. In a surprising decision, Auger-Aliassime opted to withdraw from the upcoming Moselle Open, a tournament that could have played a crucial role in determining his qualification for the 2025 ATP Finals. Entering the week, he still had a chance to secure one of the remaining spots for Turin, needing at least a semifinal appearance in Metz to maintain control of his position in the standings.
His withdrawal now leaves his prospects uncertain. With one fewer opportunity to earn ranking points, he risks being overtaken by World No. 9 Lorenzo Musetti. The Italian is currently competing at the Hellenic Championship in Athens and will qualify for the ATP Finals if he can claim the title there. Should Musetti succeed, he would edge past Auger-Aliassime in the race, finalizing the eight-player lineup.
As it stands, seven of the eight spots in Turin have already been secured. The confirmed participants include Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic, Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, and Alex de Minaur. The season-ending championships are scheduled to take place from November 9 through November 16 and will bring together the top performers of the year for one final showdown.
Auger-Aliassime’s emotional reflection and Gilkes’s public show of support highlight the rollercoaster of emotions that often accompany life at the highest level of professional tennis. The Canadian now faces a period of uncertainty, both processing the disappointment of a narrow loss in Paris and awaiting the results that will determine whether he qualifies for the ATP Finals—one of the sport’s most prestigious stages.
Leave a Reply