Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning World No. 1 in women’s tennis, is generating significant buzz even before her first match at the WTA 1000 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. The Belarusian has recently become engaged to her partner Georgios Frangulis, creating a wave of excitement among her 1.5 million TikTok followers. She also welcomed a new furry friend into her life, introducing a Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy named Ash on social media.
The engagement took place in a picturesque setting, with Frangulis, a 37-year-old entrepreneur and founder of the superfood brand Oakberry, proposing to Sabalenka, 27, beside a delicately illuminated pool. The heartfelt moment, captured on video and shared on Instagram, saw Frangulis down on one knee offering a dazzling diamond ring. Sabalenka’s emotional response, covering her face in disbelief before accepting the proposal, showcased their deep connection. She expressed her joy on social media, captioning the video with “You & me, forever” adorned with infinity and wedding ring emojis.
Frangulis and Sabalenka have been together since early 2024, shortly after Sabalenka experienced the loss of her former boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov. Koltsov’s tragic passing, classified by police as an apparent suicide, left a profound impact on Sabalenka, who described him as “the love of my life”. The couple had spent three years together before their separation. In the wake of his death, Sabalenka has been candid about her struggles, revealing how her past losses, including that of her father, have influenced her approach to both personal and professional challenges.
As she prepares to compete at Indian Wells, Sabalenka’s personal life continues to captivate fans. Earlier this week, she shared a provocative new video on TikTok, where she showcased her fashion sense with a plunging black top, complemented by elegant jewelry and a fur coat. The video quickly garnered over 76,000 views, with enthusiastic feedback flooding in from her supporters.
In addition to her engagement, Sabalenka is embracing the joys of pet ownership. Introducing Ash to her followers, she highlighted the new addition to her team, sharing heartwarming images of the puppy in various settings alongside her and Frangulis. The playful brown-and-white pup is expected to join Sabalenka’s support crew, which includes her coach, Anton Dubrov, and physiotherapist, Jason Stacy, as they navigate the busy WTA Tour.
As Sabalenka steps onto the court in Indian Wells, she carries with her a blend of personal happiness and professional ambition, ready to compete at the highest level while celebrating joyous milestones in her life.
