The 2025 Italian Open delivered a crushing blow to Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, as she fell in the quarterfinals to China’s Qinwen Zheng in a stunning 6-4, 6-3 upset. The Belarusian, a two-time Grand Slam champion, entered the match as the overwhelming favorite, boasting an unblemished 6-0 head-to-head record against Zheng. Yet, the clay courts of Rome’s Foro Italico proved unforgiving, with Sabalenka’s usually dominant game faltering under pressure. The loss, compounded by a controversial moment involving a heckling fan, left the 27-year-old visibly shaken. But in the aftermath of heartbreak, Sabalenka found solace in the arms of her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, who orchestrated a romantic getaway in the Eternal City, turning a tale of defeat into one of resilience and love.
The quarterfinal clash was a test of Sabalenka’s mettle. Despite her commanding record against Zheng, the Chinese star played with precision and poise, capitalizing on Sabalenka’s uncharacteristic errors. A pivotal moment came in the second set when a fan’s taunt disrupted Sabalenka’s focus, prompting an emotional outburst that earned her a code violation for an audible obscenity. “It was a tough match, and the crowd didn’t make it easier,” Sabalenka later reflected, her frustration evident. The defeat marked a rare stumble for the Belarusian, who had been a leading contender for the title after her Madrid Open victory earlier in the clay season. Yet, it was her ability to move forward that captured the hearts of fans.
Enter Georgios Frangulis, the Brazilian CEO of superfood brand Oakberry, who has been a steadfast presence in Sabalenka’s life since their relationship went public in April 2024. The couple, spotted hand-in-hand at tournaments from Madrid to New York, transformed Rome’s disappointment into a moment of connection. Sabalenka shared a tender Instagram story, capturing Frangulis planting a kiss on her cheek as they prepared for a dinner outing in the Italian capital. Her caption, “Last dinner in (Italy) 😭,” conveyed both the sting of defeat and the comfort of their bond. The image, set against the backdrop of Rome’s timeless charm, painted a picture of a couple finding joy amid adversity.
Sabalenka’s resilience has been a hallmark of her career, especially after a challenging 2024 marked by personal tragedy. The loss of her former boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, to an apparent suicide in March 2024, left her grappling with grief, yet she persevered, clinching the US Open title later that year. Frangulis, a former motorsports athlete turned entrepreneur, has been instrumental in her recovery, offering unwavering support. “There was a really tough period where I was really happy to have him by my side, always cheering me up,” Sabalenka told reporters earlier this year, highlighting his role in helping her balance the demands of professional tennis with life’s joys. Their Roman getaway, filled with candlelit dinners and strolls through historic streets, was a testament to this partnership.
The Italian Open exit, while painful, has not dimmed Sabalenka’s prospects for the French Open, set to begin on May 25. Former player Colin Fleming recently named her a “firm favourite” for Roland Garros, citing her Madrid triumph and adaptability on clay. “I think she holds a strong chance to win there,” Fleming said, noting that Sabalenka’s power and mental fortitude make her a formidable contender, even after setbacks like Rome. Her 2024 season, which included two Grand Slam titles, underscores her ability to bounce back, and fans are eager to see if she can channel this energy in Paris.
For now, Sabalenka’s Roman interlude with Frangulis serves as a reminder of her strength beyond the court. The couple’s chemistry, evident in their playful social media exchanges and shared adventures—from F1 races to Parisian retreats—has endeared them to fans. As Sabalenka prepares for the clay season’s pinnacle, her ability to find light in the shadow of defeat, with Frangulis by her side, speaks to a champion who thrives in both victory and vulnerability. In Rome, where heartbreak met healing, Sabalenka’s story is one of love, loss, and the courage to keep moving forward.
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