**Aryna Sabalenka’s Comeback: Triumph, Tragedy, and New Love in the Wimbledon Spotlight**
Aryna Sabalenka, the formidable Belarusian tennis star and current world number one, enters this year’s Wimbledon tournament as the strong favourite to lift the trophy. Her role as frontrunner comes after a series of upsets during the early rounds which have seen many top seeds fail to reach the later stages. Fans will see her face off against Britain’s Emma Raducanu in a much-anticipated clash, with Raducanu openly acknowledging Sabalenka as “the best player in the world right now.”
Amongst the roaring crowds and flashes of cameras, supporters will notice a more familiar face courtside—Georgios Frangulis, Sabalenka’s partner and the CEO of international food franchise Oakberry. Frangulis, who boasts Brazilian roots and Greek heritage, entered Sabalenka’s life last year and his presence on tour has rapidly become a source of both media and fan intrigue. Known for his unwavering support, Frangulis is often spotted among Sabalenka’s team, offering encouragement and sharing in her celebrations after key victories.
Their relationship became public knowledge in May 2024, after the pair were photographed sharing affectionate moments at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. The event was of particular significance, as Frangulis’ company sponsors the Haas Formula One team. The couple’s connection, not only personal but also professional, reflects a growing trend of overlap between elite sports and major business partnerships. Shortly before the tennis season started, Sabalenka and Oakberry concluded a sponsorship agreement, further entwining her professional commitments and personal life.
However, Sabalenka’s current happiness follows a period marked by tragic loss. Earlier in March, Sabalenka’s former partner, Konstantin Koltsov, a retired professional ice hockey player, died suddenly in an incident at a Miami hotel. Although the pair were no longer in a relationship at the time, Sabalenka made a heartfelt public statement, saying: “While we were no longer together, my heart is broken.” The loss cast a shadow over a pivotal period in her sporting career, making her subsequent resurgence all the more remarkable.
Frangulis’ steady presence has, by many accounts, helped steer Sabalenka through this turbulent chapter. She has been forthright about the invaluable comfort and encouragement he has provided in difficult times. Speaking to People, Sabalenka explained: “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. Even when things are going wrong in my career, he was my biggest support and yeah, really happy to have him by my side.”
Now aged 36, Frangulis is not only considered an emerging force in global business, but he also remains close to the spectacle and pressure of international sport via his connection with Sabalenka. The Oakberry company, which he launched in 2016, has seen rapid expansion and now operates in over 35 countries, boasting an estimated worth of £80 million. In comparison, Sabalenka’s own financial standing is reported at £14.5 million, highlighting the business acumen and success that Frangulis brings to their partnership.
Within the tennis world, such intertwining of romance, commerce, and competition is nothing new, but Sabalenka’s candidness about her experiences offers a rare glimpse into how athletes balance personal adversity with the demands of the top echelons of sport. Her ability to compartmentalise her grief and channel her focus towards success on the court has inspired not just her fans, but fellow players as well.
As the Wimbledon tournament reaches its business end, observers will continue to focus on Sabalenka—not just for her power and prowess on the court, but for her resilience off it. The presence of Georgios Frangulis, both as a life partner and a business ally, adds an intriguing dimension to her current run. Whether Sabalenka can convert her impressive form into a Wimbledon title remains to be seen, but her journey so far highlights a narrative of triumph, tragedy, and the healing power of love amidst the bright lights of international sport.