Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka finds herself in the sporting spotlight as she prepares for a significant moment in her career—a showdown against Coco Gauff in the French Open final. The highly anticipated match could see Sabalenka secure her first Grand Slam trophy on the clay courts of Roland Garros, a surface that has traditionally proven challenging for the world number one. Yet, behind her recent impressive performances, a narrative of resilience, personal loss, and new beginnings has captured the attention of both the sporting world and her many fans.
Sabalenka’s journey to the final has included a spectacular semi-final victory over tournament favourite Iga Swiatek, further cementing her status at the top of women’s tennis. The Belarusian has already tasted Grand Slam success three times, but a win in Paris would represent not only a career milestone but also a testament to her determination amid recent personal difficulties. Throughout her campaign, one figure has been a constant presence in the stands—her new partner, Georgios Frangulis.
Frangulis, a Brazilian entrepreneur of Greek descent, has become a familiar face during Sabalenka’s matches. The founder and chief executive officer of the rapidly expanding acai company Oakberry, Frangulis met Sabalenka last year. Their romance quickly became public, with the duo first pictured together in May 2024 at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, where Oakberry sponsors the Haas Formula One team. Observers note that his unwavering support appears to have buoyed Sabalenka both on and off the court.
Speaking to various outlets, Sabalenka has openly described Frangulis’s backing as “priceless”, attributing much of her emotional strength and positive mindset during tournaments to his influence. Their partnership has also extended into business, with Sabalenka signing a sponsorship agreement with Oakberry prior to the Australian Open in January. Frangulis, for his part, has expressed admiration for Sabalenka, viewing her as an inspiration and collaborator: “We are working closely with her to create some really exciting things over the years,” he remarked, highlighting the synergy between their professional and personal lives.
The public emergence of this relationship followed quickly after a period of profound sadness for Sabalenka. In March, her former partner, Konstantin Koltsov—a well-known ex-professional ice hockey player—tragically died following an incident in a Miami hotel. The event cast a shadow over the tennis star, who spoke publicly about her heartbreak despite their earlier separation: “While we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” she shared.
Frangulis himself is no stranger to business success. Since establishing Oakberry in 2016, he has overseen its remarkable global growth, with the company now present in more than 35 countries. His personal wealth is estimated at around £80 million, a considerable sum compared to Sabalenka’s reported £14.5 million net worth. Educated in law and blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit, Frangulis brings both public support and experience to the high-profile partnership.
Beyond the trappings of wealth and global recognition, those close to the couple emphasise the emotional stability and happiness that Frangulis brings to Sabalenka’s life. She has praised his ability to help her balance the pressures of professional tennis with the need to find joy outside sport. “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,” Sabalenka recently told People magazine. “I make sure I kind of forget about tennis and focus on the good things and enjoy my life.”
As Sabalenka gears up for her potentially career-defining match against Gauff, the role Frangulis plays is clearly not confined to the stands. From cheering her on courtside to providing guidance through challenging times, the partnership underscores how personal connections can be crucial in the demanding world of elite sport.
While attention will rightly focus on Sabalenka’s talent and grit as she steps onto the clay of Roland Garros, her story is as much about recovery and support as it is about athletic achievement. Win or lose, Sabalenka has demonstrated the strength to overcome adversity—not only with a racquet in hand, but also through the bonds she forges beyond the court.
With the world watching, Sabalenka’s resolve, bolstered by the presence of Frangulis and the lessons of the past year, stands as a source of inspiration for fans everywhere. Whether she lifts the trophy or not, she has already proven her mettle in facing life’s toughest challenges with dignity and hope.