INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka is enjoying a whirlwind week at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, but it’s not just her performance on the court making headlines. The Belarusian star recently announced her engagement to Brazilian businessman Georgios Frangulis and the story behind the proposal is proving to be as captivating as her matches.
The engagement, confirmed on Tuesday, March 4, 2026, has quickly become a talking point in the tennis world, with congratulations pouring in from fellow players like Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Amanda Anisimova. Sabalenka shared a video of the proposal on Instagram, accompanied by a simple yet heartfelt message: “You & me, forever,” along with a ring and heart emoji. The news surfaced just before Sabalenka’s return to competition following her runner-up finish at the Australian Open in January, where she lost a tight three-set match to Elena Rybakina 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 on January 31.
However, the moment wasn’t quite the picture-perfect scene one might expect. Sabalenka revealed that the proposal took her completely by surprise, and not necessarily in a composed way. “It was a beautiful moment. I was surprised, although I somehow knew, had a feeling it would happen here. But he still managed to surprise me,” Sabalenka explained, according to reports.
What added to the emotional complexity was the fact that Sabalenka was, in her own words, unprepared for the occasion. “The whole team knew. My agent told me I had a very important meeting for 15 minutes: ‘Just put on something nice,’” she recounted. She arrived at the meeting, which turned out to be the proposal, feeling far from glamorous. “I saw Georgios, and I was crying half the time because I thought I looked ugly, unprepared, and this is such a beautiful moment,” Sabalenka said.
The initial shock even led her to request that photographers focus on the ring rather than her own appearance. “I even asked the photographer and cameraman to show only the ring and not my face,” she admitted. Even her mother chimed in, questioning her hairstyle. Despite the initial self-consciousness, the moment clearly resonated deeply with Sabalenka, marking a significant milestone in her personal life.
Sabalenka and Frangulis have been publicly linked since 2024. Frangulis is the founder of Oakberry, a globally recognized chain specializing in açaí bowls and smoothies, and has built a substantial fortune through his entrepreneurial endeavors. The engagement ring itself is estimated to be worth over half a million Swiss Francs, a testament to Frangulis’s success.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Sabalenka was spotted at the Indian Wells tournament on March 11, wearing a wedding veil and carrying a bouquet alongside her fiancé. This playful gesture signaled her joy and willingness to share her happiness with fans and fellow players.
The world No. 1 is currently competing at the BNP Paribas Open, where she is aiming for her first title of the season. She began her campaign strongly and is now preparing for a challenging quarterfinal match against Linda Nosková. The tournament represents a crucial opportunity for Sabalenka to build momentum as the clay court season approaches.
Beyond the court, Sabalenka’s recent partnership with Gucci as a brand ambassador adds another layer to her growing profile. The Belarusian has quickly become a style icon, and her off-court ventures are attracting increasing attention.
As Sabalenka continues her journey in Tennis Paradise, both on and off the court, fans are eagerly anticipating what the future holds for the newly engaged couple. The combination of professional ambition and personal happiness seems to be fueling her success, and her story is resonating with fans around the world.
Sabalenka’s next match, against Linda Nosková, is scheduled for the night of Saturday, March 13 (Swiss time) as she battles for a spot in the final at Indian Wells. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the BNP Paribas Open and updates on Sabalenka’s season.
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