Aryna Sabalenka didn’t have a day out in the 2025 Australian Open final, as the pressure of history probably weighed heavy. The world No. 1, a two-time defending champion, was chasing a monumental third consecutive title at Melbourne Park — a feat achieved by just five women in the Open Era. Who all Sabalenka was chasing? – Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Martina Hingis have all claimed three straight titles at hard-court majors, and Sabalenka, riding a 20-match winning streak at the tournament, seemed poised to join that elite club. But as the lights shone on Rod Laver Arena, it was Madison Keys who stunned the tennis world. The American prevailed 6-3, 2-6, 7-5, lifting her maiden Grand Slam title while handing Sabalenka an unexpected defeat.
Sabalenka’s Australian Open campaign may have ended in disappointment, but there was still one bright spot. Her love – her boyfriend Georgios Frangulis. She found comfort in the support of her boyfriend, who shared an Australian Open recap with his followers on Instagram. Sabalebnka’s response was heartwarming as she wrote—”Te amo ”
This wasn’t the only affectionate moment for the duo during the Australian Open. Earlier Frangulis shared Sabalenka’s semifinal victory moment over Paula Badosa on his Instagram story with a caption, “Finals bound meu amor.” But WAIT, that wasn’t all either! Frangulis jumped into the action, leaving a comment on Sabalenka’s Instagram post with her epic match-winning moments, writing, “Let’s do this!”
Aryna Sabalenka’s relationship with Georgios Frangulis came about after a tumultuous period in her life which also saw the tragic suicide of her ex-boyfriend and ex-ice hockey player Konstantin Koltsov. Sabalenka then found solace in a new love with Frangulis. The couple was first seen together in public in April 2024, and since then, Frangulis has become a constant presence in Sabalenka’s life, supporting her at tournaments around the world.
Who he is? Georgios Frangulis, originally from Brazil with Greek roots, is a successful businessman who founded Oakberry, a global superfood brand. He’s been a steadfast supporter of Sabalenka, who has also become an ambassador for his brand.
Moving on from the court, there was something that caught the attention of the crowd and quickly stirred controversy. Aryna Sabalenka and her coaching team have recently found themselves at the center of a scandal after they were seen pretending to urinate on her Australian Open runner-up trophy.
Aryna Sabalenka and Her Team Face Backlash for Disrespectful Trophy Incident
Recently a video surfaced on social media showing Sabalenka and her coaching team—along with her boyfriend Georgios Frangulis laughing and performing pelvic thrusts over the runner-up trophy, which was placed on the floor and the video quickly went viral with one X user, posting it on X.
The critics immediately compounded their voice with displeasure, expressing disappointment with Sabalenka’s action, calling it “Disgusting” and “Classless”
However, not all reactions were negative and some of the fans defended the group, suggesting that their behavior was playful and not meant to show disrespect. They pointed out that it was likely a lighthearted gesture to lighten the mood after a stressful match. Sabalenka and his team are yet to issue their clarification.
That controversy aside, Sabalenka’s journey to the final in the Australian Open was magnificent! She powered past her close friend Paula Badosa in a fierce semifinal clash. But in the title match, it was Madison Keys who delivered an inspired performance, leaving Sabalenka just short of the ultimate prize.
After the match, the Belarusian showered praise on Keys, saying, “You have been playing unbelievable tennis! You crashed it tonight. Congrats to you and your team—really well deserved! Enjoy the celebration, enjoy the fun part!”
She didn’t forget the tournament’s organizers either, adding, “I want to say thank you to everyone who made this tournament happen, thank you for making my stay comfortable. I really feel at home every time I am here”
Determined as ever, she finished with a promise: “Even though I didn’t get it this time, I’ll be back stronger and will do my best next year! Thank you, guys, for an amazing atmosphere throughout. You guys are amazing!”
We will know next year, if Sabalenka makes it third at Melbourne Hard Courts, but before that the Belarusian has three more cracks at Majors this year. How many Grand Slams do you reckon she will end up with by the end of this year?
The post Aryna Sabalenka Puts Disappointment Aside With a Heartfelt Reaction to Beau Georgios Frangulis’ Australian Open Recap appeared first on EssentiallySports.