Love and grit often go hand in hand. For WTA No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, these two aspects together define her journey on and off the court. While the Belarusian dominates the sport with her skill and spirit, the man by her side carries a survival story only a few know about. Behind his infectious smile lies a past marked by a battle against a disease that affects millions worldwide.

Sabalenka is busy defending her Australian Open title for the third consecutive time. But right behind her is her boyfriend Oakberry founder, Georgios Frangulis, whose support provides the tennis star with incredible strength. Fresh off a romantic vacation in Paris, the Sabalenka-Frangulis pair is now in Melbourne, spotted holding hands and sharing kisses while exploring the city. However, behind his ever-s0-present smile lies a story of struggle.

In a 2023 interview with Forbes Brazil, he stated: I never told anyone, but in August 2016, I found out I had thyroid cancer, a four-centimeter nodule that the doctor said needed to be removed to determine the treatment.

“I got married on October 1st (to Isabella Armentano); I used the last money I had to pay for the wedding bar; I had surgery on October 16th and managed to open the first Oak store in São Paulo on December 6th, because I was hit by a kind of divine ray when I needed it most – and least expected it.”

However, the details of their separation remain unclear.

From battling a life-threatening illness to building a global brand, Frangulis’ journey is nothing short of inspiring. His story highlights an indomitable spirit that likely serves as motivation for his belle Sabalenka as well. Last year, the WTA star highlighted how her boyfriend played a pivotal role in helping her overcome some of life’s gloomiest moments. Their support for each other is evident, proving that behind every successful player stands a strong and steady pillar of support.

Interesting Fact: Georgios Frangulis is a motorsports athlete, having competed in 128 races of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge.

Aryna Sabalenka called her boyfriend her “biggest support”

Last September, the WTA number one stepped forward to discuss her love life with People magazine in detail. Amidst everything, what struck a chord with her followers was how Frangulis arrived like the missing puzzle in the Belarusian athlete’s life.

Reflecting on the Oakberry CEO’s influence, Sabalenka recalled how she “was really happy to have him by” her side when “there was a really tough period.” A shoulder injury forced her to withdraw from Wimbledon and this took place just weeks after an illness resulted in a quarterfinals loss at the French Open.

The Belarusian athlete also revealed how Frangulis taught her to remain optimistic “even when things are going wrong in” her career. She said, “he was my biggest support.”

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When Sabalenka won the 2024 Cincinnati Open, outclassing America’s Jessica Pegula, she thanked her beau with an adorable statement. “Thank you to my boyfriend for keeping me happy every day,” said the WTA number one star.

Together, the pair successfully proved that with a supportive partner, no goal is unattainable, just like Sabalenka reached the top of the WTA ranking last year with Frangulis by her side. What do you think?