Aryna Sabalenka Enjoys Vacation with Boyfriend Georgios Frangulis Amid Injury Setbacks
Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka is making the most of her time away from the court, enjoying a much-needed vacation with her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis. The Belarusian, who recently withdrew from Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury, has been sharing glimpses of her sun-soaked holiday on social media, much to the delight of her fans.
Sabalenka and Frangulis, who have been dating for some time, chose Greece as their getaway destination. The couple has been posting scenic snapshots from their trip, capturing stunning views, picturesque landscapes, and intimate moments together. In one particular image that caught the attention of fans, the pair can be seen posing in front of a backdrop of purple flowers, with Sabalenka donning an outfit in a matching shade while Frangulis sported a stylish purple watch.
For Sabalenka, this break comes at a crucial time. The World No. 3 has been dealing with a series of physical setbacks that have hindered her performance in recent months. While there is no confirmed timeline for her return to competitive action, the vacation appears to be a way for her to recharge both mentally and physically before making a comeback.
Sabalenka’s Wimbledon Ambitions Cut Short by Injury
While Sabalenka would have preferred to be competing on the grass courts of Wimbledon rather than relaxing on a Greek island, her withdrawal from the prestigious tournament was a necessary decision. The two-time Grand Slam champion had been scheduled to play her opening-round match against American Emina Bektas but was forced to pull out due to lingering shoulder issues. As a result, she was replaced in the draw by lucky loser Erika Andreeva, who went on to defeat Bektas in the first round before being eliminated in the second.
Sabalenka’s injury woes first became apparent at the Berlin Open, where she was forced to retire mid-match for the first time in her WTA career. Facing Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya in the quarterfinals, Sabalenka trailed 1-5 in the opening set before calling it quits due to her shoulder pain. It was a concerning moment for the Belarusian, as she has built a reputation for her resilience and physical toughness, rarely showing signs of discomfort on the court.
However, with the Olympic Games in Paris and the US Open on the horizon, Sabalenka and her team knew that pushing through the pain could lead to long-term complications. She ultimately made the difficult call to prioritize her health over competition, marking a frustrating yet necessary pause in her season.
Olympic Dreams on Hold as Sabalenka Prioritizes Recovery
Adding to the disappointment of missing Wimbledon, Sabalenka has also confirmed that she will not be competing at the Paris Olympics later this year. The decision, while disappointing for fans hoping to see her represent Belarus on the grand stage, underscores her commitment to long-term success rather than short-term gains.
With the Olympics being played on the clay courts of Roland Garros and the US Open following shortly after on hardcourts, Sabalenka has chosen to skip the Olympic event in order to focus on her recovery and maximize her chances at the final Grand Slam of the season.
While the shoulder injury was the primary reason for her withdrawal from multiple tournaments, it has not been the only health issue she has faced in recent months. Earlier in the season, Sabalenka struggled with a lower back problem that affected her performance at the Italian Open, leaving her unable to compete at her best. These recurring injuries have disrupted her season, forcing her to readjust her goals and carefully manage her schedule to ensure a strong return.
Sabalenka’s Season So Far: Highs and Lows
Despite the setbacks, Sabalenka has still enjoyed a solid season overall. She began 2024 in dominant fashion, successfully defending her Australian Open title with a commanding run in Melbourne. That victory further cemented her status as one of the most formidable players on the WTA Tour, showcasing her powerful baseline game and fearless shot-making.
However, as the season progressed, injuries began to take their toll. The clay-court swing proved to be particularly challenging, with her lower back issues affecting her performances in Rome and Madrid. Though she fought through the pain, it was clear that she was not playing at full strength.
At Roland Garros, she put together a strong campaign but ultimately fell short in the semifinals against eventual champion Iga Swiatek. It was a disappointing loss, but one that reinforced her ability to compete at the highest level despite her physical struggles.
Then came the grass-court season, which was abruptly cut short due to her shoulder injury in Berlin. Missing Wimbledon was a major blow, as Sabalenka had previously reached the semifinals in 2021 and was seen as one of the favorites for the title this year.
Looking Ahead: Can Sabalenka Regain Momentum?
As Sabalenka continues her recovery, the big question remains: When will she return to competition, and will she be able to regain her best form in time for the US Open?
The Belarusian is known for her aggressive style of play, relying heavily on her powerful serve and groundstrokes. Shoulder injuries can be particularly tricky for players with such a physical game, making it essential for her to take the necessary time to heal before resuming full training.
If all goes well, Sabalenka could return for the North American hardcourt swing, where she has historically performed well. The lead-up events to the US Open, including tournaments in Canada and Cincinnati, will provide her with the opportunity to rebuild her confidence and rhythm before heading to New York.
For now, fans will have to wait patiently and hope that the time off will allow Sabalenka to come back stronger than ever. If her social media updates are any indication, she is enjoying her break while remaining focused on the bigger picture.
A Well-Deserved Break Before the Next Challenge
Aryna Sabalenka’s decision to take a vacation amid her injury struggles is a reminder that even elite athletes need time to recharge. While the tennis world may miss her presence on the court, her health must come first, and this period of rest could be exactly what she needs to return in peak condition.
As she soaks up the Greek sun with Georgios Frangulis by her side, Sabalenka will undoubtedly have her eyes set on the future. The US Open is just around the corner, and if she can recover in time, there’s no doubt she’ll be ready to make another deep run on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
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