After a stellar performance this season, Aryna Sabalenka is now gearing up for the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Recently she surpassed her rival Iga Swiatek to claim the World No. 1 spot during the Asian Swing. And the anticipation for their showdown in Riyadh is high! With the Pole now working with a new coach, fans are buzzing about how this match will play out. But don’t count the Belarusian player out, she’s been practicing hard. Plus, she’s constantly supported by her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, who is close by her side. Interestingly, it seems he has been in the loop about her ranking changes much more than Sabalenka herself has.
In a press conference ahead of the Finals in Riyadh, Sabalenka shared an anecdote about the moment she discovered her new ranking. “I woke up that morning and my boyfriend was like, ‘Congrats, you became world number one,’ I was like, ‘What? I didn’t do anything, kind of like in that moment.” Her rise came after winning the Wuhan Open on October 13 which allowed her to overturn a 69-point deficit and lead Swiatek by 41 points when the rankings were updated on October 21. This shift occurred despite both players not competing that week.
Swiatek’s drop in ranking stemmed from point deductions due to her failure to participate in mandatory tournaments. She only entered two of the required six WTA 500 events and hadn’t played since her quarter-final exit at the US Open in early September. This inactivity opened the door for Sabalenka, who consistently performed well throughout the year. And while Frangulis was just excited for his girlfriend to be No.1, Sabalenka was wondering about Swiatek, “Where did she lose those 100 points?” The Belarusian admitted, “I didn’t expect that.” But she’s still got her eye on the prize. “I want to finish the year as #1 then I’ll be ok. I’ll be more confident in saying I’m world #1 not just because someone lost 100 points,” she added.
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Despite their fierce competition, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka share lighter moments off the court. Take their recent TikTok adventure, for instance. The two were spotted filming a video together on the practice courts in Riyadh. During that, in a playful mishap, Iga accidentally damaged Aryna’s phone. Even though she’s not very active on social media, Swiatek humorously apologized for the incident on her Instagram story. Talking about social media, Sabalenka has been teaching her boyfriend a thing or two there!
Aryna Sabalenka and Georgios Frangulis: Pillars of support for each other
Aryna and Georgios are the ultimate couple goals, proving that a healthy relationship is all about growing together and supporting each other. Since they were first spotted together back in April 2024, these two have been serving up some serious love vibes. One of the cutest moments was when Aryna decided to teach Georgios how to be social media savvy. Well, Frangulis himself admitted that. When Sabalenka called her a ‘content king,’ he humbly responded, “Learning from the best meu amor.” Talk about a power couple making it work!
Their recent getaway to Greece was full of romance and fun. Aryna shared some adorable pics from their trip, where they enjoyed dinner dates and stunning sunsets. In a cheeky post, she wrote, “training @georgiosfrangulis to be an IG boyfriend 😎📸,” and Georgios playfully replied, “😂❤️I’m a natural, αγάπη μου (my love).” Sabalenka couldn’t resist adding her own sweet comment, showing just how tight-knit they are. It’s clear they know how to keep things light and fun while enjoying each other’s company.
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It’s not just about the cute moments for Aryna Sabalenka and Georgios Frangulis; they’re also each other’s biggest fans! Aryna recently launched her signature bowl with Georgios’ brand, Oakberry, and she couldn’t be more thrilled, as she shared, “I’m launching my own bowl with Oakberry, which is the same bowl that I always go for.”
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Georgios has been a constant presence in the stands for Sabalenka, cheering her on during matches and celebrating her big wins. One of his standout moments came during the US Open when he proudly declared on social media, “I’m in love with the Queen of NY,” after Aryna’s incredible victory.
Their bond keeps getting stronger, and it’s easy to see why! With Georgios supporting Aryna through thick and thin, the World No. 1 will be confident to extend his successful run in Riyadh. Do you think she can win the WTA Finals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Did Aryna Sabalenka truly earn her No. 1 spot, or was it just Swiatek's misstep?
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Did Aryna Sabalenka truly earn her No. 1 spot, or was it just Swiatek's misstep?
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