World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka shared a heartwarming moment from her personal life this Valentine’s Day, offering fans a glimpse of her off-court life amidst a challenging start to the season. Following her recent withdrawal from the upcoming WTA 1000 event in Dubai, the Belarusian tennis star took to social media to post moments from her celebration.
Accompanied by her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, Sabalenka appeared in high spirits as the couple enjoyed a romantic day together, providing a delightful contrast to her recent on-court struggles.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Romantic Getaway With Georgios Frangulis Amidst On-Court Setbacks
Sabalenka’s 2026 season so far has been a rollercoaster of emotions, defined by high expectations and tough hurdles. Her campaign at the 2026 Australian Open ended in heartbreak as she fell just short of the title again for the second consecutive time. In an intense final against Elena Rybakina, the Belarusian fought hard but ultimately lost in three sets, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
This defeat was a significant blow for the World No. 1, who had hoped to secure her fifth major trophy on her favorite hard courts. Despite the painful loss in Melbourne, the 27-year-old used Valentine’s Day to reconnect with her boyfriend, Frangulis, in a display of affection that caught the attention of her followers.
MORE: Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Amanda Anisimova Embrace the Dubai Atmosphere Ahead of WTA 1000 Event
On Feb. 14, both Sabalenka and Frangulis shared intimate moments from their day on their Instagram stories. In a photo posted on her account, Sabalenka held up a red, heart-shaped pastry with a white heart design on top, while a smiling Frangulis was in the background.
She tagged him, and he reposted the story, adding the caption “meu amor” (my love) to express his affection. Frangulis also shared a candid photo of the couple walking outdoors, where they are seen laughing together, with Frangulis placing his hand over his heart in a gesture of joy.
The celebration comes just days after Sabalenka announced her withdrawal from the 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
In an official statement, she expressed regret over missing the tournament, citing health reasons. “I’m really sorry, I have to withdraw from Dubai. I have such a special connection with the tournament, the fans, and the city. Unfortunately, I am not feeling 100%. But I hope to be back next year and wish the tournament a great event.”
MORE: Iga Świątek, Aryna Sabalenka Send Message After Abandoning WTA 1000 Event in Dubai
This decision marks her second consecutive withdrawal from a major Middle East tournament, having also skipped the Qatar Open earlier this month to prioritize her recovery.
Her relationship with Frangulis, the founder of the açaí brand Oakberry, has been a frequent topic of interest since they began dating in 2024. The couple’s dynamic was highlighted earlier this year during the trophy ceremony at the Brisbane International in January. After winning the title, Sabalenka playfully put Frangulis on the spot during her victory speech.
“Thank you to my boyfriend. Hopefully, soon I’ll call you something else, right? Let’s just do that. Let’s just put extra pressure, right?” she joked. Her comments made it clear she does not want him to be just her “boyfriend” anymore and is looking forward to an engagement.
Since going public with their relationship, Frangulis has been a constant presence in her player’s box, traveling with her to tournaments worldwide. Their bond has strengthened over time, with Frangulis providing strength and support, especially during difficult periods in Sabalenka’s career.