Aryna Sabalenka recently shared glimpses of her vacation in Dubai, where she was accompanied by her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis. The world No. 1, who has had an outstanding season, looked relaxed and joyful during a shopping date with Frangulis, providing a rare glimpse into her personal life amidst the pressures of being a top tennis player.
The Belarusian star’s year has been nothing short of phenomenal, overcoming mid-season injury concerns and delivering a string of impressive performances. Despite the challenges, Sabalenka staged a remarkable comeback during the North American hard court swing, securing significant titles at both the Cincinnati Open and the prestigious US Open. Her resilience and form carried over into the Asian leg of the season, where she reached the quarterfinals at the China Open and claimed the title at the Wuhan Open. These victories not only reaffirmed her status as a dominant force in women’s tennis but also solidified her position as the world’s top-ranked player.
Frangulis, Sabalenka’s partner, has been a constant presence by her side during these moments of triumph. He joined her in celebrating her Wuhan Open victory, the last WTA 1000 event of the season. The couple shared moments of joy on social media, with Frangulis posting snapshots from their time in China. Sabalenka also shared a picture of their continued journey to Dubai, where they were seen enjoying a shopping date. It’s clear that their bond has grown strong since they started dating earlier this year.
Sabalenka and Frangulis’ relationship first became public in May 2024 when the Belarusian confirmed their status on Instagram. Frangulis, who hails from Brazil, is the founder of the Açaí brand Oakberry, which he established in December 2016. His business has grown significantly, and he also serves as a sponsor for the Haas F1 Team, adding an entrepreneurial flair to his public persona. Despite their busy schedules, the couple seems to have struck a balance between their professional lives and personal happiness.
In an interview with *People* magazine in September, Sabalenka opened up about her relationship with Frangulis and the positive impact he has had on her life, both on and off the court. The tennis champion spoke fondly of her boyfriend, calling him her “biggest support” during tough times in her career. “I am really happy to have him by my side, always cheering me up, always making sure that we are doing some fun stuff,” Sabalenka shared.
She also emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy perspective and focusing on life outside of tennis. For Sabalenka, having someone like Frangulis who supports her through the highs and lows of her career has been crucial to her success. “I make sure I kind of forget about tennis and focus on the good things and enjoy my life. Even when things are going wrong in my career, he’s there for me,” she added, illustrating how Frangulis has helped her navigate the intense demands of professional tennis.
Sabalenka’s 2024 season has been nothing short of exceptional, boasting a stunning 54-12 win-loss record. Not only did she capture two of the year’s biggest prizes by winning both the Australian Open and the US Open, but she also became the first woman since Angelique Kerber in 2016 to win two hard-court Grand Slam titles in the same season. Her dominant performances on the tour have made her the player to beat, and she has set the bar for women’s tennis in 2024.
The Belarusian’s success this season was not without its share of challenges. Injury concerns during the middle of the year raised doubts about her ability to maintain her form, but she bounced back stronger, proving her resilience and mental toughness. Sabalenka’s ability to overcome these hurdles is a testament to her growth as a player, both mentally and physically, as she continues to mature in her role as the world’s top player.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka’s season is far from over. She is set to compete at the highly anticipated WTA Finals, which will take place in Riyadh starting on November 2. This elite tournament brings together the top players on the WTA Tour, and Sabalenka will be joined by the likes of Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Jasmine Paolini, Elena Rybakina, Zheng Qinwen, Barbora Krejcikova, and her arch-rival, Iga Swiatek.
With the WTA Finals looming, Sabalenka’s focus will shift back to the court, where she will aim to end her season on a high note. Her recent form suggests that she will be one of the favorites to lift the trophy in Riyadh, but the competition will be fierce. Nevertheless, with Frangulis by her side providing support, and her unwavering determination to succeed, Sabalenka will be confident in her chances to cap off what has already been a remarkable year in women’s tennis.
In addition to her impressive tennis achievements, Sabalenka’s relationship with Frangulis has been a source of strength and joy, offering a balance to the intensity of her professional life. As she continues to dominate on the court, Sabalenka’s personal happiness seems to be equally fulfilling, giving her the stability and support needed to thrive at the very top of the sport.