The Eternal City of Rome, with its timeless charm and cobblestone streets, became more than just a backdrop for Aryna Sabalenka’s 2025 Italian Open campaign—it was a haven of solace and romance. After a heart-wrenching quarterfinal exit at the prestigious WTA 1000 clay court tournament, the world number one leaned on her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, to transform disappointment into cherished memories. Their enchanting evening out in the Italian capital, filled with laughter and love, offered Sabalenka a chance to reset and refocus as she prepares for the upcoming French Open.
Sabalenka’s journey in Rome had been a testament to her resilience. Entering the tournament as the top seed after a triumphant Madrid Open campaign, where she clinched her third title by defeating Coco Gauff, the Belarusian was in scintillating form. She powered through early rounds at the Foro Italico, overcoming Anastasia Potapova, Sofia Kenin, and Marta Kostyuk to reach her third quarterfinal in Rome. Yet, her clash with China’s Zheng Qinwen on May 14 proved a bitter pill to swallow. Despite holding a perfect 6-0 head-to-head record against Zheng, Sabalenka fell in a tightly contested match, marking a rare upset. The defeat was compounded by a controversial moment when a fan’s heckle—“Come on, Qinwen, you can do it!”—disrupted her focus. Sabalenka’s frustration boiled over, leading to an audible obscenity and a code violation from the chair umpire. “It was really emotional and really stressful,” she later reflected, acknowledging the mental toll of the moment.
Determined not to let the loss define her time in Rome, Sabalenka found solace in the unwavering support of Frangulis, the Brazilian entrepreneur and founder of the superfood brand Oakberry. The couple, who went public with their relationship in May 2024, have become a fixture at tournaments worldwide, with Frangulis a constant presence in her player’s box. On the evening of her defeat, he whisked her away for a romantic dinner in Rome’s historic heart, a gesture that lifted her spirits. Sabalenka shared glimpses of their getaway on Instagram, captioning a post with “Swipe to see the proper way to end a night in Rome,” alongside a photo of her savoring gelato. Frangulis, ever the doting partner, gushed over her chic ensemble, commenting on her post, prompting Sabalenka to respond with three heart emojis. Their playful exchange resonated with fans, who flooded social media with admiration for the couple’s chemistry.
The Rome getaway was a poignant reminder of Frangulis’s role as Sabalenka’s rock, especially after a challenging year. Following the tragic loss of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov in March 2024, Sabalenka endured profound personal struggles. “There was a really tough period where I was really happy to have him by my side, always cheering me up,” she told reporters earlier this year, crediting Frangulis for helping her navigate emotional and professional hurdles. His support has been instrumental in her ascent to the world number one ranking, solidified by a stellar 2025 season that includes titles in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid, alongside her 2024 US Open triumph.
Sabalenka’s ability to compartmentalize personal and professional life has been a hallmark of her success. “I make sure I kind of forget about tennis and focus on the good things and enjoy my life, even when things are going wrong in my career,” she explained, a philosophy evident in her Roman escapade. The couple’s night out included a visit to a historic church and leisurely strolls through Rome’s illuminated streets, moments that allowed Sabalenka to recharge. Frangulis, a motorsport enthusiast who has competed in Porsche GT3 Cup races, brings a vibrant energy to their relationship, often seen in their shared adventures, from beach getaways to F1 paddock visits.
As Sabalenka looks ahead to Roland Garros, where she is tipped as a leading contender by former player Colin Fleming, her Rome experience underscores her resilience. “I think she is now pretty firm favourite for Roland Garros,” Fleming noted, citing her Madrid Open victory and adaptability on clay. Despite past setbacks in Rome, including final losses to Iga Swiatek in 2022 and 2024, Sabalenka’s 2025 campaign showcased her growth. Her ability to bounce back from the Zheng defeat, buoyed by Frangulis’s support, signals her readiness for the clay court major.
The Rome getaway was more than a distraction—it was a celebration of Sabalenka’s strength and the love that fuels her. With Frangulis by her side, cheering her on and sharing in life’s sweetest moments, Sabalenka is poised to chase Grand Slam glory with renewed vigor. As she bid farewell to Rome, her heart was full, ready to conquer the challenges ahead with the same tenacity that defines her game and the love that lights her way.
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