In the midst of the high-stakes clay-court battles at the 2025 Italian Open, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka found a moment of respite, stepping away from the Foro Italico’s red dirt to enjoy a carefree day off in Rome with her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis. The Belarusian tennis star, fresh off a triumphant Madrid Open title, shared a glimpse of their downtime on social media, captioning her Instagram post with a playful, “Off day mood 🧢🙂↔️.” Frangulis, a Brazilian entrepreneur and motorsport enthusiast, responded with a heartfelt comment, adding a sweet layer to their public romance that has captivated fans. As Sabalenka prepares for a challenging third-round match, this tender interlude underscores the balance she seeks between her fierce on-court persona and the joy of life’s quieter moments.
Sabalenka’s journey in Rome carries the weight of expectation. After reaching the final in 2024, where she fell to Iga Swiatek, the 27-year-old is a top seed and a favorite to claim her maiden Italian Open title. Her 2025 season has been a masterclass in resilience, with titles in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid, where she outlasted Coco Gauff in a thrilling 6-3, 7-6(3) final. “I’m sure we’ll play many more times in the finals,” Sabalenka told Gauff post-match, her competitive spirit laced with camaraderie. “I hope I’m gonna get all of them. But I always enjoy fighting against you. You’re such a fighter.” Her confidence is palpable, bolstered by a nine-match winning streak on clay, a surface where she’s adapted with remarkable speed. Yet, it’s her ability to switch off from tennis that keeps her grounded, and Frangulis plays a pivotal role in that balance.
The couple’s Rome escapade, filled with laughter and shared moments, reflects a bond that has grown stronger since they went public in April 2024. Frangulis, the founder of Oakberry, a superfood brand specializing in açaí products, has been a constant presence in Sabalenka’s player’s box, cheering her through triumphs like her 2024 US Open title and consoling her during setbacks. “There was a really tough period where I was really happy to have him by my side, always cheering me up, always making sure we’re doing some fun stuff,” Sabalenka said earlier this year, referencing the emotional toll of 2024, which included the tragic loss of her ex-boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov. Frangulis’ support has been a beacon, helping her navigate personal and professional challenges while maintaining her world No. 1 ranking.
Their off-day in Rome wasn’t just a break; it was a celebration of their shared journey. Frangulis, who marked Sabalenka’s 27th birthday on May 5 with a loving Instagram story—“Keep rocking meu amor, 27th will be even better”—has embraced his role as her biggest fan. The couple’s chemistry shone during a lighthearted catwalk at the Italian Open, where they held hands and strutted indoors, a clip shared by the tournament’s official account that had fans swooning. Sabalenka, ever the playful partner, has even taken to coaching Frangulis on his social media game, jokingly captioning a vacation post, “training @georgiosfrangulis to be an IG boyfriend 😎📸.” His reply, “I’m a natural, αγάπη μου (my love),” showcased their easy banter.
As Sabalenka gears up to face 31st seed Sofia Kenin in the third round, a player she’s defeated in three of their four WTA Tour encounters, including a 6-1, 6-2 rout at the 2023 China Open, the stakes are high. A victory could set up a fourth-round clash with Leylah Fernandez or Marta Kostyuk, testing her clay-court dominance. Fans have taken to social media to praise Sabalenka’s focus and Frangulis’ unwavering support, with one commenting, “Georgios is her rock—love how he keeps her smiling.” With Roland Garros on the horizon, Sabalenka’s ability to blend fierce ambition with moments of levity, fueled by Frangulis’ affection, makes her a formidable force. As Rome’s eternal charm surrounds them, this power couple is writing a story of love and triumph, one sweet message at a time.
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