Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, has been unstoppable on the court, but off it, her heart belongs to Georgios Frangulis, a Brazilian entrepreneur whose unwavering support has become a cornerstone of her success. The Belarusian star, known for her powerful serves and relentless spirit, has found a partner in Frangulis who matches her energy with his own inspiring journey. From founding a global superfood empire to cheering courtside at Grand Slams, Frangulis has emerged as Sabalenka’s biggest fan, bringing joy and stability to her life during both triumphs and challenges. “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,” Sabalenka shared, reflecting on the emotional anchor Frangulis provided during a difficult 2024 season.
The couple’s romance began in early 2024, first sparking public attention in April when they were spotted together at the Madrid Open. By May, Sabalenka made their relationship Instagram official, sharing a photo from the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, where Frangulis, a motorsports enthusiast, introduced her to the high-octane world of Formula 1. Their bond deepened through shared moments of joy, from romantic vacations in Greece to playful exchanges on social media. After her 2024 US Open victory, Frangulis posted, “I’m in love with the queen of NY,” celebrating Sabalenka’s triumph over Jessica Pegula. Sabalenka, in turn, called him “priceless” on Instagram, a nod to his constant presence in her player’s box, from Cincinnati to New York. Their chemistry was undeniable during a lighthearted moment at the 2024 Berlin Open’s “Phone Challenge,” where Sabalenka revealed Frangulis’s Instagram as her favorite, prompting a playful confirmation of their relationship status.
Frangulis, born in São Paulo, Brazil, in September 1988 to parents of Greek and Austrian descent, is no stranger to overcoming adversity. A law graduate from Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado, he chose entrepreneurship over a legal career, founding Oakberry in 2016, a superfood brand specializing in açaí bowls and smoothies. “I always knew I wouldn’t be a lawyer,” he once said, driven by a vision to build a sustainable business tied to his Brazilian heritage. Oakberry, now boasting over 700 stores across 40 countries and raising $67 million in 2023, reflects his commitment to health and environmental responsibility. “Açaí, as a fruit, only exists because of the subsistence culture of riverside communities in the Amazon Rainforest,” Frangulis explained, emphasizing sustainability. Sabalenka, an Oakberry brand ambassador since January 2024, launched her own “Power Serve Bowl” in August, praising the brand’s energy-packed offerings. “It’s like an energy bowl, so I feel ready to go after I have it,” she said.
Beyond business, Frangulis is a motorsports aficionado, having competed in 128 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge races, with three career victories. “Getting in the car and racing is one of the few moments when nothing else matters,” he shared, describing the mental clarity racing provides. His resilience shines through his personal battles, including a 2016 thyroid cancer diagnosis, which he faced just months before launching Oakberry and marrying his then-wife, Isabella “Beh” Armentano. “I never told anyone, but in August 2016, I found out I had thyroid cancer,” he revealed, recounting how surgery and faith carried him through. Though his marriage to Armentano ended—reportedly amid controversy over his relationship with Sabalenka—Frangulis has found new purpose alongside the tennis star.
Sabalenka’s 2024 was marked by triumph and tragedy. After losing her ex-boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, to an apparent suicide in March, she leaned on tennis to cope, just as she did after her father’s death in 2019. “Once, I lost my father and tennis helped me to go through that tough loss,” she said, though she later admitted that neglecting her mental health took a toll. Frangulis’s support proved invaluable, especially during her shoulder injury-forced Wimbledon withdrawal and a quarterfinal exit at the 2025 French Open. “He was my biggest support,” she said, crediting him for keeping her grounded. Their shared moments, like meeting Jackie Chan after her 2025 Australian Open loss to Madison Keys, brought levity to tough times. “At least we met Jackie Chan (which is cool af),” Frangulis quipped on Instagram.
As Sabalenka prepares for the grass-court season, including the historic WTA 500 at Queen’s Club, Frangulis will undoubtedly be courtside, his “all claps, no smile” intensity a humorous hallmark of his support. “So focused,” Sabalenka teased, capturing their playful dynamic. With four titles in 2024, including the US Open, and a year-end No. 1 ranking, Sabalenka’s success is intertwined with Frangulis’s steadfast presence. Together, they form a dynamic duo, blending love, ambition, and resilience in a partnership that’s as powerful off the court as Sabalenka’s serve is on it.
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