As the clay courts of the 2025 Madrid Open buzz with intensity, Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, is not only dominating opponents but also winning hearts—particularly those of an unexpected fanbase from Brazil. The Belarusian star, fresh off a thrilling comeback victory against Elise Mertens in the third round, has been soaking in the vibrant support from Brazilian fans, a connection she attributes to her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, a Brazilian entrepreneur. Sabalenka’s journey in Madrid is a blend of fierce competition and heartfelt moments, making her a standout both on and off the court.
Sabalenka’s match against Mertens was a rollercoaster. The 26-year-old dropped the first set 3-6, struggling to find her rhythm against the crafty Belgian. But the three-time Grand Slam champion roared back, seizing the second and third sets 6-2, 6-1 with her trademark power and precision. This victory, which improved her head-to-head record against Mertens to an impressive 10-2, propelled her into the fourth round to face American Peyton Stearns. After the match, Sabalenka spoke candidly about the electric atmosphere, particularly the passionate cheers from Brazilian supporters. “They’re the best, I don’t think I’ve ever felt support like theirs, because they’re not from my country and I wasn’t expecting it,” she told the Madrid Open’s official Twitch channel, her voice brimming with gratitude. She added, “They’re really fun, I’d never experienced that before. I’ve never been to Brazil, but I’m happy that my community of fans is still growing and hopefully I can go soon.”
This Brazilian fervor isn’t entirely new. It first caught Sabalenka’s attention last month at the Miami Open, where fans gifted her a shirt proclaiming her “Our Brazilian diva.” The gesture, tied to her relationship with Frangulis, the founder of the superfood brand Oakberry, has deepened her bond with Brazil. Frangulis, a constant presence in her player’s box, has been a pillar of support since they began dating in early 2024. His encouragement has been vital, especially during a challenging year marked by personal loss and a shoulder injury that forced her to withdraw from Wimbledon. “There was a really tough period where I was really happy to have him by my side, always cheering me up,” Sabalenka shared in a recent interview, reflecting on Frangulis’s role in her life.
In Madrid, the Brazilian fans’ enthusiasm has been a game-changer. During her post-match chat with Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj, Sabalenka elaborated on their impact. “I’m almost Brazilian at this point,” she joked, embracing the nickname “Brazilian diva” with a smile. She recounted how the fans’ energy helped her turn the tide against Mertens, particularly when she focused on her serve and baseline timing. “The moment I started focusing on the timing and not rushing the ball or over-hitting, things really clicked,” she explained, crediting the crowd’s fervor for keeping her grounded.
Sabalenka’s connection with Brazil extends beyond the court. Frangulis has been urging her to visit his homeland, a trip she’s eager to make despite her packed schedule. “My boyfriend, he’s keep pushing me to go there, but it’s just tough to schedule,” she admitted at a press conference, her eyes lighting up at the thought of exploring Rio and São Paulo. Her role as an Oakberry ambassador, which began in January 2024, has further tied her to Brazil’s culture, with her personalized “Power Serve Bowl” becoming a fan favorite.
As Sabalenka prepares for her next match, her focus is sharp, but the Brazilian cheers add a unique spark to her campaign. With two Madrid Open titles already under her belt, she’s hungry for a third, driven by her competitive fire and the unexpected love from a country she’s yet to visit. Whether she’s smashing forehands or charming fans with her infectious personality, Sabalenka is proving she’s not just a champion but a global sensation, embraced by Brazil and beyond.