As the 2025 French Open reaches its crescendo, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is not only dominating on the clay courts of Roland Garros but also captivating off them. Just days before her highly anticipated final against Coco Gauff, Sabalenka graced the cover of L’BEAUTÉ magazine, exuding glamour and confidence in a stunning photoshoot that left fans—and her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis—speechless. The Belarusian tennis superstar, known for her ferocious groundstrokes and unrelenting drive, showcased a softer, elegant side in the spread, blending high fashion with her signature intensity. Frangulis, unable to contain his admiration, took to social media to shower her with praise, posting a heart-eyes emoji and the caption, “Wow, just wow! 😍,” alongside a snap of the magazine cover.
The L’BEAUTÉ feature, shot in Paris’s chic streets, captured Sabalenka in a series of breathtaking looks, from a sleek black gown that echoed her bold on-court persona to a vibrant red dress symbolizing her fiery spirit. The magazine highlighted her journey from a young talent in Minsk to the pinnacle of women’s tennis, emphasizing her resilience through personal and professional challenges. “I’ve always believed in pushing forward, no matter what,” Sabalenka said in the interview, reflecting on her career. “On clay, I’ve had to evolve—add variety, play smarter. It’s been a journey, but I’m ready to fight for this title.” Her words resonate as she prepares to face Gauff in a blockbuster No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown, the first of its kind at Roland Garros since 2013.
Sabalenka’s path to the final has been a masterclass in dominance. After a surprising quarter-final exit at the Italian Open to Zheng Qinwen, she arrived in Paris with renewed focus, dropping only one set en route to the final. Her semi-final victory over four-time champion Iga Świątek, a 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0 thriller, ended Świątek’s 26-match winning streak at Roland Garros and marked Sabalenka’s first French Open final appearance. “In the past, people said clay would be my struggle,” she remarked post-match. “But we’ve worked hard to develop my game, and I think I’m showing what I can do on this surface.” Her improved physicality, coupled with newfound variety—drop shots, spins, and defensive play—has made her a formidable force on the red dirt.
Georgios Frangulis, the Brazilian entrepreneur behind the açaí brand Oakberry, has been a constant presence in Sabalenka’s corner. The couple, who began dating in April 2024, have shared their journey across social media, from romantic getaways in Paris to courtside moments at tournaments. Frangulis, a former race car driver and law graduate, has been Sabalenka’s biggest cheerleader, often posting affectionate tributes. After her Wuhan Open title in 2024, he shared photos of their time in China, captioning them, “Unplanned globetrotting,” to which Sabalenka playfully responded, “Meu amor living his best life 😜.” Their bond, strengthened by shared adventures and mutual support, has been a source of joy for Sabalenka, who told L’BEAUTÉ, “Having someone who cheers you up, who makes life fun even when things get tough, is everything.”
Coco Gauff, Sabalenka’s opponent in the final, brings her own narrative to this clash of titans. The 21-year-old American, ranked No. 2, stormed into her second French Open final with a 6-1, 6-2 rout of French wildcard Loïs Boisson. Gauff’s speed and defensive prowess have been her hallmarks, but she’s worked to add aggression to her game since her 2023 US Open win over Sabalenka. “I’m going to be aggressive and go for my shots,” Gauff said, reflecting on their evenly split 5-5 head-to-head record. “She’s got big shots, but I’ve beaten her before, and I’m ready to give my all.” Their rivalry, marked by intense battles like the 2023 US Open final and the 2025 Madrid Open final, where Sabalenka triumphed, promises a fierce contest.
The stakes are high: a win would give Sabalenka her fourth Grand Slam title and make her the only active player with singles titles at three of the four majors. For Gauff, a victory would mark her second major and cement her as the youngest American Roland Garros champion since Serena Williams in 2002. Both players have secured 1,300 ranking points, with the winner earning 2,000 and €2.55 million in prize money. As Paris prepares for this historic final, Sabalenka’s L’BEAUTÉ cover serves as a reminder of her star power, both on and off the court, while Frangulis’s heartfelt support underscores the personal strength fueling her quest for glory.
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