Maria Sharapova seen with millionaire British boyfriend for first time as tennis star heads on Cotswolds date

MARIA SHARAPOVA showed off her millionaire boyfriend for the first time as the pair enjoyed a romantic date in the Cotswolds.

The tennis ace confirmed rumours that she is dating British partner Alexander Gilkes after the pair enjoyed walks in the countryside followed by a drink in a local pub.

The Russian, 31, was first rumoured to be dating Gilkes in early January this year but the pair have never confirmed their relationship despite frequently being snapped together.

But five-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova has spent an extended period of time in the UK after her season was cut short by a right shoulder injury and has now posted with Gilkes online for the first time.

In the photos, Sharapova can be seen walking in the green Cotswolds countryside and she also posted a photo of Gilkes sat in the grass with the caption "not posing".

The millionaire businessman, co-founder and president of the Paddle8 online auction house, responded by posting a photo of Sharapova in a field with the caption "Ruski Rambler and her sheep".

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 Harry, 34, to wife Meghan Markle, 37.

Sharapova has enjoyed a string of romances in the past including a short relationship with Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine.

The fling resulted in a lawsuit from the pop star, who successfully sued a Russian publication who claimed that he'd broke things off because of criticisms about Sharapova's sexual performance.

She also dated television presenter Charlie Ebersol in 2008 and was engaged with a 6ft7 basketball player Sasha Vujacic in 2010.