Aryna Sabalenka, the current world number one tennis player, is solidifying her path toward the Wimbledon finals after a series of impressive victories, including a notable match against former US Open champion Emma Raducanu. As she prepares to face Amanda Anisimova, a competitor also eager to claim a Grand Slam title, Sabalenka’s off-court life has gained attention due to the tragic loss she has faced.
Her partner, Georgios Frangulis, a successful CEO from Brazil with Greek heritage, has often been a supportive presence during her matches. The couple has been dating since 2023, gaining visibility after being seen together at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in May 2024.
In a heartbreaking twist, Sabalenka lost her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov, a former Belarusian ice hockey player, earlier this year. Koltsov died in what was initially reported as a suspected suicide after falling from a hotel balcony in Miami, where he had traveled to support Sabalenka during the Miami Open. This incident has drawn mixed reactions, especially from Koltsov’s ex-wife, who asserted that it might have been an accident, suggesting that alcohol may have played a role.
Despite the overwhelming grief from his passing, Sabalenka displayed remarkable resilience by continuing to compete soon after the tragedy, securing a victory against her friend Paula Badosa in the tournament. Badosa, aware of the tough emotional circumstances, acknowledged the difficulty of competing against her best friend but expressed hopes for a strong performance from Sabalenka.
As Sabalenka approaches the semi-finals of Wimbledon, her story combines both the struggle of managing personal loss and the pursuit of her professional goals. This dual narrative reflects her strength as both an athlete and a person navigating life’s challenges. The support from Frangulis, along with her determination to succeed, could very well inspire her journey toward the prestigious title.