Not long ago, Aryna Sabalenka made it clear she was waiting for an engagement ring. After lifting the Brisbane title earlier this season, the world No. 1 thanked her boyfriend during her on-court speech and hinted she hoped to call him something else soon. It was a public nudge that put the spotlight on her relationship.
Months later, the proposal arrived – and it did so on different terms. Georgios Frangulis got down on one knee during an outdoor dinner surrounded by pink flowers and candles. Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, later showed off a large oval-cut diamond ring and admitted she had no idea what was about to happen that night. The surprise, this time, was entirely hers.
The man behind the ring
Frangulis, a Brazilian entrepreneur born and raised in São Paulo, has built his name in business rather than sports headlines. In 2016, he founded Oakberry, a superfood brand focused on açaí bowls and smoothies that has since grown to more than 700 stores in over 40 countries. The rapid expansion turned the company into a global franchise and placed him on the cover of Forbes Brazil in June 2023, where he spoke about blending faith, spirituality and resilience into his entrepreneurial path.
Before launching his company, he studied law at Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP) in 2014, although he did not complete his degree or sit for the Brazilian bar exam. His professional journey ultimately shifted toward building his brand, and Sabalenka has since become an ambassador for Oakberry, merging their personal and professional worlds.
From grief to partnership
The couple were first spotted together in April 2024, just a month after the tragic death of Sabalenka’s former partner, Konstantin Koltsov. Koltsov died in March 2024 in what authorities described as an apparent suicide, marking a painful period in the tennis star’s life.
In an interview with PEOPLE in August 2024, Sabalenka described Frangulis as her main source of support while navigating that loss. Since then, he has been a constant presence at her matches, often seen in the stands during critical moments. While Sabalenka dominates from the baseline, her loudest supporter has consistently been courtside.
Their relationship also became public in May 2024 when they were seen holding hands at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, Italy. Around the same time, Sabalenka acknowledged his support during the Italian Open, blowing him a kiss after her loss to Iga Swiatek.
Business, racing and balance
Frangulis’ ambitions extend beyond entrepreneurship. He is also a motorsports competitor, having raced in 128 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge events, according to Driver Database. Balancing a fast-growing global brand with competitive racing requires careful planning, but he has managed to maintain both pursuits while remaining present in Sabalenka’s tennis life.
That dynamic reflects a partnership built on parallel ambition. She leads the rankings on tour, and he oversees a rapidly expanding international business while pursuing his passion for motorsports.
Sabalenka finally received the engagement ring she once hinted at in Brisbane – just not in the way she imagined. Frangulis delivered exactly what Sabalenka had once put into question: a real surprise. While she may not have expected the first photos and videos to capture her in a T-shirt, jeans, flip-flops and an improvised braid, the spontaneity became part of the story. There will likely be polished photos later, but the authenticity of that night belongs to them.
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