**Aryna Sabalenka’s Journey Through Triumph and Tragedy Ahead of Wimbledon Showdown**
Wimbledon’s women’s singles draw has this year been headlined by the formidable form of Aryna Sabalenka, current world number one and a clear favourite to secure the coveted title. Her path to the semi-finals has already included a dominant victory over Emma Raducanu, a notable former US Open champion. As anticipation builds for her next clash against American contender Amanda Anisimova, Sabalenka’s resilience on and off the court has continued to draw widespread attention.
Behind her on-court excellence stands Georgios Frangulis, her partner and an ever-present source of support visible at tournaments around the world. Frangulis, a Brazilian businessman with Greek heritage, is the chief executive of Oakberry, an acai brand that has fast become known among tennis fans. The couple’s relationship, which began in 2024, has been a frequent talking point, with Sabalenka often expressing gratitude for his encouragement during post-match interviews.
Public interest in Sabalenka’s personal life intensified earlier in the year due to a profound tragedy. In March 2024, the Belarusian athlete’s former partner, Konstantin Koltsov, died after an incident at a hotel in Miami. Koltsov, who represented Belarus as an international ice hockey player, had travelled to Miami to offer support during Sabalenka’s run at the Miami Open.
Miami-Dade authorities reported that Koltsov’s death occurred in the early hours, after an apparent fall from a balcony at the St Regis Bal Harbour Resort. Law enforcement cited no sign of foul play, suggesting suicide as the probable cause of death. “The Miami-Dade Police Department, Homicide Bureau, responded and has taken over the investigation of the apparent suicide of Mr Konstantin Koltsov. No foul play is suspected,” stated the official report released at the time.
Yet, this version of events has been questioned by Koltsov’s ex-wife, Yulia Mikhailova. Speaking to Belarusian media, Mikhailova implied the incident might have been a tragic accident rather than a deliberate act. She revealed that empty alcohol bottles were found at the scene and posited that Koltsov may have lost awareness of his actions. She further criticised aspects of the media coverage, expressing concerns about speculation being mistaken for fact.
Despite the private nature of her heartbreak, Sabalenka made the difficult decision to continue competing in the Miami Open. Displaying notable composure, she faced her close friend Paula Badosa in a highly emotional match, emerging victorious in straight sets. The emotional toll was evident, with Badosa herself admitting to the discomfort of confronting her best friend under such distressing circumstances. “She’s my best friend and I don’t want her to suffer. It’s a very tough situation,” Badosa shared, conveying both empathy and competitive spirit.
Throughout this ordeal, Sabalenka earned the admiration of both fans and fellow competitors for her strength. Though she was eventually eliminated in a subsequent round, her poise in the face of personal adversity was widely praised. As Wimbledon progresses and eyes turn to her next potential triumph, Sabalenka’s journey serves as a testament to her fortitude and professionalism.
For those seeking emotional support with their own personal difficulties, the Samaritans are available to offer assistance 24 hours a day, every day of the year. They can be contacted by phone on 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org. The charity also provides online chat and a self-help app to ensure non-judgmental support is always accessible.
As Sabalenka steps onto the grass of SW19 this week, her story is one not only of sporting achievement, but of remarkable resilience in the face of grief. The tennis world and her many fans continue to accompany her on this inspiring journey, both on and off the court.