In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, coaches scream instructions while family members leap from their seats during crucial points.
But in Aryna Sabalenka’s corner sits someone completely different: a boyfriend who deliberately stays silent, calculating every gesture to support the world No. 1 without disrupting her focus.
Why Does Georgios Frangulis Stay Silent During Matches?
Sabalenka’s partner, Brazilian entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis, has developed an approach that defies typical courtside behavior. His reasoning reveals a sophisticated understanding of what makes Sabalenka tick.
“I never say anything during matches,” Frangulis revealed in a recent interview with Clay Tenis. “I try not to show too much emotion, because Aryna notices everything – what everyone is doing in the box.”
This admission from the 36-year-old Oakberry founder shows he’s learned that the three-time singles Grand Slam champion absorbs every detail from her support team. Where other players might need vocal encouragement or tactical reminders, Sabalenka requires something different: unwavering calm.
“I just clap as loudly as I can and make sure she feels supported,” he explained about his courtside presence. His strategy focuses purely on providing steady reassurance rather than tactical input or emotional reactions that might break her concentration.
The real work, according to Frangulis, happens after the final point. “For me, the most important part comes afterwards – making sure she’s feeling good overall once the match is over,” he said.
“Any tennis player should be happy when talking to Novak.”
Georgios Frangulis, Aryna Sabalenka’s partner, Oakberry’s mogul and passionate tennis (and Djokovic) fan.
A @ozmo_sasa interview.👇https://t.co/oEJz4cCFMx
— Clay (@_claymagazine) September 2, 2025
Since their relationship began in April 2024, Frangulis has been a constant presence in Sabalenka’s corner, witnessing her victories at major tournaments, including the US Open, Cincinnati Masters, Madrid Open, and Miami Open. His support proved especially crucial during difficult periods, particularly after the tragic death of Sabalenka’s former partner Konstantin Koltsov in March 2024.
Sabalenka has publicly credited Frangulis as her “biggest support” during those challenging months, showing how his behind-the-scenes approach extends far beyond match strategy.
How Has Sabalenka Performed With Frangulis’s Quiet Support?
The results speak for themselves. As the defending US Open champion, Sabalenka has showcased exactly why Frangulis’s quiet support system works so effectively. The Belarusian has stormed through the tournament without dropping a single set, demonstrating the mental composure that her support team helps maintain.
Sabalenka’s path to the quarterfinals included dominant victories over Cristina Bucsa, 6-1, 6-4 in just 73 minutes. She has now reached the quarterfinals at all four Grand Slams in 2025, making her the first woman to achieve this feat as world No. 1 since Serena Williams in 2016.
This consistency reflects not just her talent, but the stability her support system provides. While other players deal with coaching changes or volatile team dynamics, Sabalenka enjoys the calm presence of someone who understands when to step back and let her brilliance shine.
With her quarterfinal opponent being 2023 Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová, Sabalenka continues her quest to become the first player to successfully defend the US Open women’s title since Serena Williams in 2014. Behind her quiet boyfriend’s calculated support, she’s positioned perfectly to make history.
