Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, has returned to the grass courts of Berlin with a mix of determination and wistful longing. Fresh off a romantic getaway in Mykonos with her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, the Belarusian star advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Berlin Ladies Open, a WTA 500 event, after a hard-fought victory over Rebeka Masarova. Yet, as she prepares for her next match, Sabalenka’s heart remains partially tethered to the sun-soaked beaches of Greece, where her brief respite was cut short by the demands of the grass-court season.
Sabalenka’s journey to the Berlin quarterfinals was anything but straightforward. Her second-round match against Masarova, ranked 112th in the world, began on Wednesday but was suspended after the first set due to fading light. Sabalenka, who had dominated the opener 6-2, returned on Thursday to face a resilient opponent who pushed her to a tiebreak in the second set. With her powerful forehand and relentless aggression, Sabalenka prevailed 6-2, 7-6(6), securing her place in the quarterfinals, where she will face either Elena Rybakina or Katerina Siniakova on June 20, 2025. The victory marks a strong start to her Wimbledon preparations, just 10 days away, as she seeks to overcome last year’s disappointment when a shoulder injury forced her to withdraw from the grass-court Major.
Despite her on-court success, Sabalenka’s post-match comments revealed a touch of melancholy. Reflecting on her abbreviated vacation in Mykonos, she said, “It’s been a very short time, I wish I would still be in Mykonos, having fun and enjoying my vacation, but here I am in Berlin, competing, I love being here, love grass. I’m super happy to be here, thank you for the warm welcome guys.” The words, delivered with a smile, carried a hint of longing for the carefree moments she shared with Frangulis, the Brazilian entrepreneur and founder of Oakberry, a global superfood brand. The couple, who began dating in early 2024, had been soaking up the Grecian sun, with Sabalenka sharing glimpses of their beachside bliss on Instagram, including playful photos and moments with local cats.
The Berlin Ladies Open holds bittersweet memories for Sabalenka. Last year, her campaign ended abruptly in the quarterfinals when she retired against Anna Kalinskaya, trailing 5-1, due to the same shoulder issue that later sidelined her at Wimbledon. “Heartbroken to have to tell you all that I won’t be able to play The Championships this year. I tried everything to get myself ready but unfortunately my shoulder is not cooperating,” she had posted at the time. This year, however, Sabalenka appears revitalized, with a 40-7 win-loss record in 2025 and three titles at the Brisbane International, Miami Open, and Madrid Open. Her recent French Open final loss to Coco Gauff, where she made 70 unforced errors in blustery conditions, was a painful setback, but her Mykonos escape with Frangulis helped her regroup.
Sabalenka’s relationship with Frangulis has been a source of strength. The couple’s public displays of affection, from sharing kisses at the US Open to coordinating purple-themed outfits on vacation, have endeared them to fans. Frangulis, a constant presence in her player’s box, has been instrumental in lifting her spirits, especially after tough losses like the Italian Open quarterfinals to Zheng Qinwen. “I’m so lucky to have you by my side. Your support is priceless,” Sabalenka said of him after her 2024 US Open triumph. Their bond, intertwined with her role as an Oakberry ambassador, has also sparked professional collaborations, including her personalized “Power Serve Bowl” launched with the brand.
The Berlin crowd has embraced Sabalenka’s return, and she expressed gratitude for their support. “Of course, thank you guys for staying that late and thank you so much for all the support. Yeah, it was really amazing playing in front of you all,” she said after her win over Masarova. Yet, her earlier comments about the French Open, where she suggested Gauff’s victory was due to her own errors rather than stellar play, stirred controversy. “It felt like a joke. Like somebody from above was laughing: let’s see if you can handle this,” she had said, later apologizing for her “completely unprofessional” remarks. Gauff, gracious in response, urged fans to move on, highlighting Sabalenka’s humanity: “We all make mistakes. I’m just a human being who’s still learning in life.”
As Sabalenka gears up for her quarterfinal clash, her focus is on reclaiming her grass-court form and silencing doubters. With Frangulis cheering her on and her sights set on Wimbledon, she’s determined to channel her energy into competition, even if a part of her still dreams of Mykonos’ shores. Her journey is a testament to resilience, balancing the highs of love and the demands of a grueling sport, all while captivating fans with her power and personality.
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