At a Glance
- Aryna Sabalenka won the Brisbane International title on January 11, 2026, defeating Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 6-3
- During her victory speech, she publicly urged boyfriend Georgios Frangulis to propose, saying “hopefully soon I can call you something else”
- The couple have been together since April 2024, shortly after the death of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov
- Why it matters: The world No. 2’s candid court-side call-out adds playful pressure to her relationship with the Brazilian businessman
Aryna Sabalenka clinched her third Brisbane International crown in four years, then immediately turned the spotlight on her love life. Minutes after beating Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in straight sets, the Belarusian star used the winner’s microphone to send a not-so-subtle message to boyfriend Georgios Frangulis.
Victory Speech Turns Proposal Pressure
Sabalenka wrapped up the 79-minute final on Sunday, Jan. 11, and thanked her support staff before zeroing in on Frangulis, who watched from the stands.
“Last but not least, thank you to my team for handling me. I really am the toughest to handle and you are the toughest in the world because you can handle me,” she said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Then came the moment that made cameras swivel toward the 27-year-old’s partner.
“Thank you to my boyfriend… Hopefully soon I can call you something else,” Sabalenka added, grinning as Frangulis nervously laughed and looked around.
Not finished, the two-time major champion doubled down: “Let’s just put some extra pressure.”
A Pattern of Playful Hints
This was hardly the first time Sabalenka has nudged the Brazilian entrepreneur about engagement. During the US Open on August 29, a couple in the Arthur Ashe stands got engaged mid-match. When the jumbotron panned to the romantic scene, Sabalenka spotted the moment and cracked a joke.
“I looked at my boyfriend. No pressure!” she told reporters afterward, admitting she struggled to keep a straight face.
She described the proposal as “very sweet” but said she had to refocus on tennis once play resumed. Still, the incident reinforced her openness about wanting a ring.
Relationship Timeline
- April 2024: Sabalenka and Frangulis are first photographed together, one month after the death of her former partner, Konstantin Koltsov
- August 2024: She credits Frangulis for helping her grieve, telling News Of Losangeles he was “always cheering me up, always making sure that we are doing some fun stuff”
- January 2026: The pair attend Brisbane together; she wins the title and issues her latest proposal prompt
Kostyuk Match Recap
Sabalenka needed just two sets to dispatch Kostyuk, firing 27 winners to the Ukrainian’s 21 and converting three of seven break-point chances. The victory marked her 18th career WTA title and improved her Brisbane win-loss record to 14-1.
She sealed the win with a forehand winner down the line, raising both arms before jogging to the net for a quick embrace with Kostyuk.
Off-Court Support System
The Belarusian has credited Frangulis with stabilizing her life after Koltsov’s death by suicide in March 2024. In an interview with News Of Losangeles last summer, she recalled “a really tough period” and praised her boyfriend for keeping spirits high.
Frangulis, founder of organic tea company Matcha & CO, has traveled to multiple tournaments since they began dating. He frequently posts workout clips on Instagram and was seen applauding from the player’s box throughout the Brisbane fortnight.
What’s Next
Sabalenka departs Brisbane with 500 ranking points and a winner’s check worth $142,000. She is expected to compete at the Australian Open beginning January 14 in Melbourne, where she will be seeded second behind defending champion Iga Świątek.
Whether Frangulis answers her public proposal push remains to be seen, but the tennis star made her stance clear: she’s ready for the next step and isn’t afraid to say it aloud.
Key Takeaways
- Sabalenka’s Brisbane win sets her up as a major threat at the upcoming Australian Open
- The 27-year-old’s candid court-side comments keep her personal life in the headlines
- Frangulis has been a steady presence since they started dating in early 2024, supporting her through grief and triumph
