Aryna Sabalenka, the formidable Belarusian tennis star, has been riding high on her triumphant performances from the latter half of the 2024 season. Having clinched two WTA 1000 titles and a Grand Slam since August, the 26-year-old ended the season as the world’s No. 1 player. Now, as the intensity of the season subsides, Sabalenka is savoring a well-earned offseason with her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, and her closest friends and family. The tennis ace has described this period as the “best offseason” of her life, a sentiment that reflects her hard-fought journey and the stability she has found off the court.
### **A Season to Remember**
Sabalenka’s path to securing the year-end world No. 1 ranking was anything but smooth. The 2024 season tested her both professionally and personally, marked by moments of elation and adversity. She kicked off the year in spectacular fashion by winning the Australian Open, showcasing her powerful groundstrokes and mental fortitude. However, the challenges soon mounted.
In March, she faced one of the darkest periods of her life when her ex-boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, passed away in an incident reported as an “apparent suicide.” The emotional toll was immense, and Sabalenka had to summon tremendous strength to continue competing at the highest level. The personal tragedy coincided with professional setbacks; injuries forced her to withdraw from both the Wimbledon Championships and the Paris Olympics, key events in any tennis player’s calendar.
However, true to her resilient nature, Sabalenka mounted an extraordinary comeback during the hardcourt season. She triumphed at the Cincinnati Open, secured her first US Open title, and capped off the season with a victory at the Wuhan Open. These victories were not just wins on paper—they were declarations of her strength and determination, demonstrating her ability to overcome adversity both on and off the court.
### **A Romantic Parisian Getaway**
Once the grueling season concluded, Sabalenka and Frangulis wasted no time in embracing the offseason. The couple embarked on a romantic getaway to Paris, the city of love, where they celebrated her year-end achievements and enjoyed each other’s company away from the pressures of the tour. Their Parisian escapade was a symbolic moment of respite, marking a transition from the intense focus of competition to the joys of personal fulfillment.
From Paris, the couple’s adventures continued in Miami, where they shared a lunch outing with Frangulis’ brother, Pedro. These moments, captured in snapshots and shared on social media, reveal a side of Sabalenka that fans seldom see—a relaxed, joyful individual soaking in the simple pleasures of life.
### **Frangulis’ Instagram Post: A Glimpse into Their Offseason Fun**
Georgios Frangulis, known for his business acumen as the founder of Oakberry, one of the world’s leading acai brands, has been an integral part of Sabalenka’s support system. His recent Instagram post—a carousel of images documenting their offseason escapades—provided fans with an intimate glimpse into their downtime. The photos featured a mix of experiences: a chance encounter with former Ferrari F1 driver Felipe Massa, a courtside experience at a Miami Heat NBA game, and quality time with friends and family.
Frangulis captioned the post: “Off season is a good season,” encapsulating the joy and relaxation they have found together. Sabalenka responded with heartfelt enthusiasm, commenting, “The best off season in my life ❤️❤️❤️te amo meu 🦧💜😂❤️.” This public display of affection not only underscored the strength of their relationship but also highlighted the profound impact Frangulis has had on Sabalenka’s well-being.
### **The Support Behind the Success**
In a candid interview with *PEOPLE* magazine following her US Open triumph, Sabalenka opened up about the critical role Frangulis has played in her life. “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 shared.
The support Frangulis provided went beyond mere companionship. Sabalenka explained how he helped her maintain perspective, ensuring that she could momentarily step away from the pressures of tennis to focus on the positive aspects of life. “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. So yeah, he was my biggest support, and I’m really happy to have him by my side,” she added.
### **Overcoming Personal Tragedy and Injury**
The loss of Konstantin Koltsov in March was a heart-wrenching experience for Sabalenka. The tragedy was a deeply personal challenge that could have derailed her season, yet she demonstrated immense strength and resilience. Navigating the dual pressures of grief and professional commitments, she found solace and stability in her relationship with Frangulis.
Injuries further complicated her journey, forcing her to miss significant tournaments. Her absence from Wimbledon and the Olympics was a major blow, but her comeback during the hardcourt swing was nothing short of remarkable. Winning the Cincinnati Open, US Open, and Wuhan Open not only restored her confidence but also propelled her to the year-end No. 1 ranking, overtaking rival Iga Swiatek.
### **Looking Ahead: A Well-Balanced Future**
As Sabalenka prepares for the 2025 season, her offseason bliss offers a glimpse into the balanced approach she has cultivated. The time spent with Frangulis, friends, and family has recharged her both mentally and emotionally. This period of relaxation is not merely a pause but a crucial part of her preparation for the challenges ahead.
Her ability to find joy and stability off the court will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in her continued success. With Frangulis by her side and her sights set on new milestones, Aryna Sabalenka is poised to build on her extraordinary achievements. Fans can look forward to seeing a player who is not only physically prepared but also emotionally grounded—a formidable combination for any competitor.
In a sport where mental strength is as important as physical prowess, Sabalenka’s “best offseason” may well be the foundation for an even more impressive season to come.