In the wake of a heart-wrenching defeat at the 2025 French Open final, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has traded the clay courts of Paris for the sun-drenched shores of Mykonos, Greece. The 27-year-old Belarusian tennis star, who fell to Coco Gauff in a thrilling 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 battle on June 7, was quick to book a flight to the idyllic Greek island, seeking solace in “tequila, gummy bears, and swimming.” Accompanied by her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, the CEO of Oakberry, Sabalenka shared a series of loved-up photos on Instagram, capturing their romantic getaway. The images, filled with beachside bliss and wine-soaked evenings, paint a picture of a champion determined to move past her Roland Garros disappointment and embrace life’s sweeter moments.
The French Open final was a clash for the ages, with Sabalenka taking the first set in a tiebreaker before Gauff’s relentless defense and mental fortitude turned the tide. Sabalenka’s 70 unforced errors, exacerbated by windy conditions, proved costly, and her post-match comments sparked controversy. “I think she won the match not because she played incredible, just because I made all of those mistakes,” Sabalenka said, visibly emotional. “It felt like a joke, like somebody from above was laughing, ‘Let’s see if you can handle this.’” She also suggested that Iga Swiatek, whom she defeated in the semi-finals, would have beaten Gauff had she advanced. The remarks drew sharp criticism for downplaying Gauff’s skill, prompting Sabalenka to clarify her stance on Instagram the next day. “Coco handled the conditions much better than I did and fully deserved the win,” she wrote. “I didn’t play my best, and Coco stepped up and played with poise and purpose. She earned that title. Respect.”
Gauff, the 21-year-old American, responded with grace, acknowledging Sabalenka’s prowess. “The way Aryna was playing the last few weeks, she was the favorite to win,” Gauff said, holding the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen. “I don’t agree with that [Swiatek] comment. I’m here sitting here [with the trophy].” Her victory marked her second Grand Slam title, following her 2023 US Open win—also against Sabalenka—and made her the first American woman to claim the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015.
Sabalenka’s Mykonos escape comes at a pivotal moment. The loss in Paris was her second Grand Slam final defeat of 2025, following a runner-up finish to Madison Keys at the Australian Open. Despite these setbacks, Sabalenka retains her world No. 1 ranking with 11,553 points, bolstered by titles in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid this season. Her relationship with Frangulis, a 36-year-old Brazilian-Greek entrepreneur, has been a source of strength since they began dating in April 2024. “There was a really tough period where I was really happy to have him by my side, always cheering me up,” Sabalenka shared earlier this year, reflecting on Frangulis’s support following the tragic death of her ex-boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, in March 2024.
In Mykonos, Sabalenka and Frangulis, joined by close friends, have embraced the island’s vibrant energy. Photos show the couple basking in the sun, savoring wine, and enjoying the Mediterranean’s turquoise waters. “I just need a couple of days to completely forget about this crazy world,” Sabalenka said post-match, her words now mirrored in her carefree Instagram posts. Frangulis, whose Oakberry brand sponsors Sabalenka, has been a constant presence in her player’s box, his estimated £80 million fortune dwarfing her £14.5 million net worth. Their partnership, both personal and professional, has flourished, with Frangulis calling Sabalenka “a great example of the future of tennis.”
As Wimbledon looms on June 30, Sabalenka’s grass-court season holds immense promise. A two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist (2021, 2023), she was forced to withdraw in 2024 due to injury and banned in 2022 amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Now, as the pre-tournament favorite, she aims to capture her first Wimbledon title. Her only grass-court finals—in Eastbourne (2018) and ‘s-Hertogenbosch (2022)—ended in defeat, but her powerful game suits the surface. The Berlin WTA 500, where she faces tough competition from Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and others, will test her readiness.
Sabalenka’s Mykonos retreat is more than a vacation; it’s a chance to reset and refocus. After a season of triumphs and heartbreaks, including overcoming Swiatek and Elena Rybakina, she remains a dominant force. Her candid reflection—“Time to rest, learn, and come back stronger”—signals a champion eager to reclaim her edge. With Frangulis by her side and the tennis world watching, Sabalenka’s journey from Paris’s clay to London’s grass promises to be a compelling saga.
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