World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka secured a tough victory over Leylah Fernandez at the US Open, but the most memorable moment of the match had nothing to do with tennis. During a break in play, a marriage proposal in the stands stole the show, leading to a hilarious and telling reaction from the defending champion herself.
Why Did Aryna Sabalenka Look At Her Boyfriend During the Proposal?
In a third-round match at Flushing Meadows, Aryna Sabalenka defeated Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 7-6 (2). The World No. 1 started strong, breaking Fernandez to take an early 4-1 lead. While the Canadian fought back to challenge her in the second set, Sabalenka’s powerful serve ultimately sealed the victory in the tiebreak.
However, midway through the match, play paused as the crowd’s attention shifted to the big screen. A young man dropped to one knee and proposed to his partner, causing cheers to erupt throughout Louis Armstrong Stadium as fans rushed to capture the moment.
View this post on Instagram
During the post-match press conference, Sabalenka was asked for her thoughts on the interruption. She smiled and replied, “I think it’s the first time that someone proposed during my match, and it was a very sweet moment. I was just trying not to start smiling because it’s very cute, and I believe they’re super happy right now, and I was just trying to keep focusing on my game.”
She added, “It was a great moment. And as I said on court, I wish them happy marriage.”
A reporter then followed up, asking if she hoped someone in the crowd got any ideas from the proposal. With a big smile, Sabalenka admitted, “I looked at my boyfriend,” before adding, “no pressure.”
View this post on Instagram
Sabalenka’s partner is Brazilian entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis, founder and CEO of the global açaí chain Oakberry. The two were first seen together at the Madrid Open in April 2024, and Frangulis has been a consistent presence in her player’s box ever since.
How Is Sabalenka’s Title Defense at the US Open Progressing?
The victory over Fernandez improves Sabalenka’s tournament record to a perfect 10-0, as she continues to display her signature power and precision. In the match, she served six aces, saved all four break points she faced, and converted one of her three opportunities on Fernandez’s serve to move into the round of 16.
MORE: Aryna Sabalenka Reacts to Boyfriend Georgios Frangulis’ Major Move With Novak Djokovic
Her path to this point included a 7-5, 6-1 first-round win over Rebeka Masarova and a 7-6 (4), 6-2 victory against Polina Kudermetova in the second round, where she saved eight of nine break points.
As the final Grand Slam of 2025, the US Open holds significant weight for Sabalenka. She has not yet won a major title this season, with other top players claiming victories in Melbourne, Paris, and London. With her No. 1 ranking on the line, the pressure is mounting for her to defend the crown she won in 2024. Cristina Bucșa is the next opponent standing between her and a spot in the quarterfinals.
