Behind the women’s final between Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan
The 38-year-old, who successfully appealed a 12-month ban from WTA competition last year, was reunited with Croatian coach Stefano Vukov ahead of this year’s Australian Open.
Vukov was suspended following the WTA’s investigation into a potential breach of its code of conduct for “malicious conduct” and “abuse of authority” at the beginning of 2025. Details of the case remained confidential.
Elena Rybakina did not drop a set en route to the Australian Open final.Credit: EddieJim
He denied any wrongdoing. Rybakina also insisted he never mistreated her during their time working together and credited his influence when asked about her presence at this year’s Australian Open.
“I think it’s a big help because, of course, she knows me the best,” he said after beating Pegula on Thursday night. “He definitely makes a difference with his on-field advice during matches.”
Despite the differences in their behavior, Rybakina and Sabalenka are fierce rivals on the field. Rybakina also managed to reach the final without losing a set.
They are heavy-hitting base players who have played 14 times. Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 8-6, including a three-set win (4-6, 6-3, 6-4) in the 2023 Australian Open final.
But a lot has happened in the past three years. Although Rybakina has failed to reach another grand slam final before this weekend, “Brand Sabalenka” is on the rise.
In addition to winning three more grand slam singles titles, the 182-centimeter right-hander has become a household name.
“I couldn’t imagine going to these shows [before]He said he made two guest appearances. The Tonight Show at the end of last year.
“Always a lot of fun. He’s very energetic, a lot of fun. I really enjoyed my time there. I hope I can do these kinds of shows more often. I think it’s really cool.”
Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Georgios Frangulis (left) sits courtside at Rod Laver Arena.Credit: Getty Images
Moreover, 27-year-old Sabalenka has also found balance in her personal life. She cheekily floated the possibility of getting engaged to entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis at the Brisbane International.
“Thank you to my boyfriend,” she said after winning the Brisbane competition. “Hopefully I’ll call you by another name soon, right? No pressure.”
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Frangulis is the 36-year-old founder of Oakberry, a global health food brand known for its açaí products.
The couple first met in 2024, when the tennis star became an Oakberry ambassador. Frangulis has been a constant sideline companion this Australian summer.
He said the couple will watch the second season. Homeland on the way to the final.
The affair came at a cathartic time for Sabalenka, whose former partner, 42-year-old Belarusian professional ice hockey player Konstantin Koltsov, committed suicide by falling from the balcony of a Florida resort in March 2024.
“Constantine’s death is an unthinkable tragedy and I am heartbroken even though we are no longer together,” she said at the time.
In the midst of this year’s Australian Open, Sabalenka has garnered global attention for much more than her tennis, revealing a daring collaboration with Gucci on social media.
In the clip, she is seen hitting balls while wearing one of the luxury fashion house’s flowy dresses.
“I have it in my room,” he said of the dress in his post-match press conference. “You can see me wandering around there.”
Sabalenka also made a fashion statement on the field at this year’s launch, wearing a colorful Nike outfit and a custom-made earring and necklace set from luxury retailer Material Gold.
But ultimately, a sincere Sabalenka knows that not everything else matters in the pursuit of grand slam success.
“I’m just trying to take it one day at a time, one point, one game, one set at a time, and that’s my focus, you know,” he said.
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