Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and defending Cincinnati Open champion, took a moment to cherish a slice of joy amid her intense 2025 campaign, sharing a heartfelt glimpse into a magical day spent in New York City with her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis. On August 13, as she prepared for her Cincinnati Open quarterfinal clash against Elena Rybakina, Sabalenka posted a series of vibrant Instagram photos, captioned, “A bts look of the best day filled with my favorite food, shops, and people in the big apple 🍎🏙️.” The images captured the couple’s love-filled adventure in the bustling metropolis, offering a refreshing pause before her high-stakes battle in Ohio. This blend of personal bliss and professional dominance paints a vivid picture of a tennis star thriving both on and off the court.
The snapshots from their New York escapade revealed a day brimming with delight. One striking image showed Sabalenka beaming with excitement amid a display of luxurious handbags, her passion for fashion shining through. Another captured a cozy moment with Frangulis, a Brazilian entrepreneur and founder of the superfood brand Oakberry, as they savored the city’s energy. The couple, who began dating in April 2024, indulged in New York’s culinary scene, likely including Sabalenka’s beloved cheeseburgers, which she recently described as her “weakness” for their “cheesy and soft” perfection. Their day was a perfect blend of leisure and luxury, a testament to their ability to find balance amid the grind of the WTA tour. “His support means so much to me,” Sabalenka shared in a July interview with US Weekly, reflecting on Frangulis’ role in her life. “Being on the road and having him support me, to make me laugh and to be able to work out together, makes life on the road feel more like home.”
Sabalenka’s Cincinnati campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. On August 13, she powered past Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-1, 7-5, marking her 50th WTA win of the season and reinforcing her dominance on hard courts. The victory set up a blockbuster quarterfinal against Rybakina, a rematch of their thrilling Berlin Open encounter in June, where Sabalenka saved four match points to win 7-6(6), 3-6, 7-6(6). “It’s going to be a really aggressive match—two big servers,” Sabalenka said, her excitement palpable. “We’ve played a lot of great battles in the past, and I always enjoy playing against her.” Her Cincinnati run, following a semifinal appearance at Wimbledon and a runner-up finish at Roland Garros, underscores her relentless pursuit of a fourth Grand Slam title at the upcoming US Open, where she triumphed in 2024.
Frangulis, a constant presence in Sabalenka’s player box, has been a pillar of support through a tumultuous year. After the tragic loss of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov in March 2024, Sabalenka leaned on Frangulis to navigate personal and professional challenges, including a shoulder injury that forced her withdrawal from Wimbledon. “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 told PEOPLE, crediting him for bringing joy during dark times. Their relationship, marked by playful moments like Sabalenka teasing Frangulis’ “all claps no smile” look during her 2024 US Open win, has grown stronger, with Frangulis recently returning to São Paulo, prompting a heartfelt “I miss you” from Sabalenka in Portuguese: “Eu estou com saudade❤️.”
The couple’s New York adventure wasn’t their first escape this season. After Wimbledon, they jetted to Mykonos, Greece, where Sabalenka captioned a post, “Selfie, swim, read, repeat 🔁,” capturing their carefree spirit. Frangulis, a motorsport enthusiast who has competed in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, brings a dynamic energy to their partnership, often spotted cheering at tournaments like the Madrid Open and Miami Open. His Oakberry brand, which Sabalenka endorses, has flourished globally, mirroring her own rise to the top of tennis. “Most of the time I go for Oakberry bowl; it’s healthy and a good thing to start your day,” she told Town & Country, praising its energy-boosting qualities.
As Sabalenka battles through the Cincinnati Open, her New York memories with Frangulis serve as a reminder of the balance she’s found. The revamped Lindner Family Tennis Center, with its $260 million upgrade, has provided a vibrant stage for her title defense, but it’s her off-court moments—like indulging in fashion and food with Frangulis—that fuel her drive. With the US Open on the horizon, where she’ll aim to repeat her 2024 triumph over Jessica Pegula, Sabalenka’s blend of grit and joy makes her a formidable force. “I’m so lucky to have you by my side. Your support is priceless,” she wrote to Frangulis after her US Open win, a sentiment that resonates as she chases more glory in 2025.
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