Aryna Sabalenka shares romantic dinner with fiancé before US Open semi-final – after emotional scenes on and off the court
Aryna Sabalenka, the world No.1 and reigning US Open champion, may be known for her fierce groundstrokes and relentless aggression on court, but this week in New York, it was her softer side that stole the spotlight.
The 27-year-old Belarusian, preparing for her semi-final clash at Flushing Meadows, was photographed enjoying a romantic dinner with her fiancé, Georgios Frangulis, in Manhattan. The pair were seen laughing, holding hands across the table, and sharing what onlookers described as an “intensely affectionate” evening.
But it wasn’t just the setting that left fans swooning. Sabalenka reportedly broke into tears when Frangulis whispered five tender words to her: “You already make me proud.”
Tears before triumph
Sabalenka, who has spoken openly about her drive to defend her US Open crown, admitted the words left her emotional.
“I couldn’t help it. He looked me in the eye and said those words, and I just cried. It’s not about winning or losing – it’s about love and support. That’s what gives me strength,” she told reporters the following day.
The moment has since gone viral on social media, with fans praising the couple’s bond as Sabalenka looks to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to retain the US Open title.
Proposal drama in the stands
It is not the first time romance has intersected with Sabalenka’s run in New York this fortnight. During her third-round match against Leylah Fernandez, the Arthur Ashe crowd erupted when a spectator unexpectedly dropped to one knee mid-game and proposed to his girlfriend.
The heartwarming scene briefly drew Sabalenka’s attention away from the baseline, though she quickly reset to complete a hard-fought 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 victory.
Afterwards, she admitted it was unlike anything she had experienced before.
“I think it’s the first time I’ve seen someone propose during my match. It was so sweet. I tried not to smile because I needed to stay focused, but honestly, I loved it. I wish them a very happy marriage,” she said.
A playful tease to her fiancé
Never one to shy away from humour, Sabalenka couldn’t resist joking about the incident with Frangulis later.
“To be honest, I don’t want a proposal like that,” she laughed. “But yes, I looked over at Georgios… no pressure, of course.”
The remark drew laughter from the press room and set social media buzzing with speculation about the couple’s own wedding plans. For now, though, the pair seem content to celebrate love quietly, whether in the stands or over candlelight dinners in New York.
Dominant form on court
While romance has dominated headlines, Sabalenka’s form at Flushing Meadows has been equally compelling. Fresh from a commanding victory over Musetti to reach the semi-finals, she has maintained her reputation as the most dangerous tie-break player on the WTA Tour this year.
“Sometimes I doubt my decisions in a set,” she explained. “But when I go into a tie-break, there’s no time to hesitate. I attack with everything, and I hope that puts more pressure on my opponent.”
Her belief has been backed up by statistics: she remains unbeaten in tie-breaks across all Grand Slam tournaments this season, a record that has many tipping her to defend her crown.
Balancing love and legacy
At 27, Sabalenka finds herself at a career crossroads. Already a Grand Slam champion, she has the chance to etch her name alongside the legends by retaining her US Open title. At the same time, she is building a future with Frangulis, the Brazilian entrepreneur who has been her steadfast supporter in recent years.
Friends of the couple say their relationship has provided Sabalenka with balance in a career often marked by intensity.
“She’s always been a fighter, sometimes too hard on herself,” one friend revealed. “Georgios brings calm. He reminds her of what matters beyond tennis.”
Looking ahead
Sabalenka will now face either Coco Gauff or Elena Rybakina in Friday’s semi-final – a mouthwatering clash that could define her season. But whatever the outcome, the world No.1 insists she is already playing with freedom, knowing she has the support of her fiancé.
“He always tells me, win or lose, he’s proud,” she said. “That’s the most important thing. Tennis is my passion, but love gives me the strength to keep going.”
The bottom line
Aryna Sabalenka’s march through the US Open has been defined not just by her booming serve and ferocious forehand, but by the love story unfolding off court. From witnessing a spontaneous proposal in the stands to being moved to tears by her fiancé’s simple five words, the Belarusian has shown a vulnerability that makes her more relatable than ever.
As she prepares for one of the biggest matches of her career, Sabalenka carries not only the weight of expectation, but also the reassurance of a relationship that grounds her. Whether or not she lifts the trophy this weekend, she has already captured hearts in New York.
And perhaps, just perhaps, her next victory dance could be not just on the court, but down the aisle.
