Aryna Sabalenka’s thoughtful victory speech at the Cincinnati Open included a small slip-up.
Shortly after defeating American Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-5 in Monday’s final, Sabalenka – currently ranked second in the world – expressed her gratitude for the support of her team, especially her “friends”.
“And of course, a special thanks to my friends, friend. I said ‘friends,’ oh my God,” she said as the crowd – including her partner Georgios Frangulis – laughed at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio.
“That’s my terrible English, guys. Thank you to my boyfriend who makes me happy every day, thank you very much.”
Frangulis is CEO of the açaí brand Oakberry.
In a touching Instagram story on Monday, he celebrated Sabalenka’s latest triumph.
“More than deserved,” posted Frangulis, adding, “Somehow you look even prettier with that trophy smile.”
He titled another post “Holding Couple Trophies.”
Sabalenka and Frangulis confirmed their relationship earlier this year.
The two-time Australian Open champion was seen befriending the entrepreneur in Italy in May while competing in the Italian Open.
The sighting came almost two months after the tragic death of Sabalenka’s ex-boyfriend, former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov.
He died at the age of 42 “apparently by suicide,” Miami-Dade police said in March.
Sabalenka is now aiming for her first US Open title after losing in the final to Coco Gauff last year.
The 2024 US Open begins next Monday and runs through Sunday, September 8.
