Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 tennis star, has traded the red clay of Roland Garros for the sun-soaked shores of Mykonos, embarking on a rejuvenating holiday with her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis. The Belarusian powerhouse, fresh off a rollercoaster 2025 French Open campaign, faced a storm of criticism following her remarks after a hard-fought final loss to Coco Gauff. Now, alongside Frangulis, the founder of the global superfood brand Oakberry, Sabalenka is embracing the tranquil beauty of the Greek Islands to recharge before the grass-court season. This getaway marks a moment of solace for the 26-year-old, who has navigated personal and professional challenges with resilience, finding joy in the support of her partner and the stunning Mediterranean backdrop.
Sabalenka’s French Open journey was a testament to her dominance and determination. She powered through the early rounds, defeating formidable opponents, including four-time champion Iga Swiatek in a gripping semifinal. However, the final against Gauff proved a grueling battle. Sabalenka took the first set in a tiebreak, but her game unraveled with 70 unforced errors in windy conditions, leading to a 7-6(5), 2-6, 4-6 defeat. Post-match, her candid frustration sparked controversy, as she attributed the loss to her own mistakes rather than fully crediting Gauff’s performance. “I just need a couple of days to completely forget about this crazy world,” she said in her press conference, her voice tinged with exasperation. “If I could swear, I would swear right now with this crazy thing that happened today on the court.” She later clarified her comments on social media, acknowledging Gauff’s superior handling of the conditions and congratulating her on the victory.
Determined to move past the disappointment, Sabalenka jetted off to Mykonos with Frangulis, where the couple has been soaking up the island’s vibrant charm. She shared glimpses of their escape on Instagram, posting a photo of them basking in the sun by the Aegean Sea, with Frangulis’ arm around her. “Recharging… much needed,” she captioned one story, a sentiment echoed by her lighthearted remark about working on her tan lines. Their relationship, which began in April 2024 after Sabalenka signed a sponsorship deal with Oakberry, has been a source of strength. “There was a really tough period where I was really happy to have him by my side, always cheering me up, always making sure that we are doing some fun stuff,” she told reporters earlier this year, crediting Frangulis for helping her navigate personal hardships, including the tragic loss of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov in March 2024.
Frangulis, a 36-year-old Brazilian entrepreneur with Greek roots, has become a constant presence in Sabalenka’s player box, cheering her on during her 2025 triumphs in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid, as well as her runner-up finishes in Melbourne and Paris. His entrepreneurial journey, from founding Oakberry in 2016 to raising $67 million in 2023, mirrors Sabalenka’s drive. “I’m so excited to introduce my new @oakberryusa bowl… the POWER SERVE BOWL,” Sabalenka announced on Instagram in 2024, highlighting their shared passion for the brand. Their trips to Greece, including a visit to the Acropolis in September 2024, have deepened their bond, with Sabalenka embracing Frangulis’ heritage. “I am learning Portuguese and was lucky enough to travel to Greece!” she shared with fans, reflecting her enthusiasm for his Brazilian-Greek culture.
Despite the French Open setback, Sabalenka’s 2025 season has been stellar, with a 40-7 match record and three titles. Her ability to retain the world No. 1 ranking, even after the final loss, underscores her consistency. The Greece holiday, joined by friends and family like her sister Tonechka, offers a chance to reset. “I already have [a] flight booked to Mykonos and alcohol, sugar,” she quipped post-final, hinting at her plans for tequila and gummy bears. As she prepares for Wimbledon, where she hopes to build on her 2023 semifinal run, Sabalenka’s time in Greece is a reminder of her resilience. With Frangulis by her side, she’s not only recharging but also embracing life beyond the court, ready to return stronger for the challenges ahead.
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