As the year winds down, Aryna Sabalenka, the Belarusian tennis sensation, is reveling in the aftermath of a triumphant season, crowned by personal happiness and professional accolades. The 26-year-old powerhouse, who clinched her position as the World No. 1, credits much of her off-court joy to her relationship with Georgios Frangulis. Their shared moments away from the rigorous demands of professional tennis have marked this period as the “best offseason” of Sabalenka’s life.
From Court to Coast: Finding Balance in a Whirlwind Year
The tail end of 2024 saw Sabalenka not only winning two WTA 1000 titles and a Grand Slam but also navigating significant personal milestones. Following a tough semifinal loss at the WTA Finals, which still secured her the year-end No. 1 ranking, Sabalenka found solace and rejuvenation in a romantic Parisian getaway with Frangulis. Their travels didn’t stop in Europe; the couple was spotted enjoying a laid-back lunch in Miami with Frangulis’ brother, Pedro.
The off-season has been a bustling social affair for Sabalenka and Frangulis, captured vividly in a series of Instagram posts. Their social media feeds buzzed with excitement, featuring encounters with celebrities like former Ferrari F1 driver Felipe Massa and thrilling courtside experiences at a Miami Heat NBA game. Frangulis, connected through his Acai brand Oakberry’s sponsorship of the Haas F1 team, shared glimpses of these vibrant moments, aptly describing the off-season as “a good season.”
Sabalenka herself couldn’t help but express her contentment, commenting on Frangulis’ post, “The best off season in my life te amo meu .” This outpouring of affection and the shared smiles in their photos reflect a deep bond that transcends the pressures of professional sport.
Overcoming Challenges with Support and Love
Earlier this year, Sabalenka opened up about the crucial support Frangulis provided during a particularly challenging phase of her life. Despite beginning 2024 with a victory at the Australian Open, Sabalenka faced personal trials, including the tragic loss of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov. Through these hardships, Frangulis was a constant source of support, helping her shift focus from the setbacks and cherish the brighter moments.
“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 revealed in an interview with PEOPLE. “But 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 yeah, really happy to have him by my side.”
A Season of Resilience and Triumph
Sabalenka’s season was a narrative of resilience, marked by a sensational comeback on the hard courts after withdrawing from Wimbledon and the Olympics due to injuries. Her victories at the Cincinnati Open, US Open, and Wuhan Open not only marked a return to form but also allowed her to usurp Iga Swiatek for the top year-end ranking.
As 2024 draws to a close, Aryna Sabalenka’s reflections on the year reveal a blend of professional tenacity and personal growth. With Frangulis by her side, she navigates the challenges of her sport, finding equilibrium and joy in life’s simpler moments. As the new season approaches, the tennis world watches eagerly, but for now, Sabalenka is savoring every minute of her best off-season yet.
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