Aryna Sabalenka wrapped up what she called “the best week” of her life in California after capturing the 2026 BNP Paribas Open title, getting engaged, and welcoming a new puppy. While the on-court triumph at Indian Wells marked a defining milestone in her career, it was a heartfelt social media tribute from her fiancé, Brazilian entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis, that captured the moment’s emotion.
Inside Aryna Sabalenka’s Commanding Path to Her First Indian Wells Crown
Sabalenka arrived at the BNP Paribas Open carrying the weight of two previous runner-up finishes at Indian Wells in 2023 and 2025. This time, however, the World No. 1 produced one of the most commanding runs of her career. She reached the final without dropping a set, beginning with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Japanese qualifier Himeno Sakatsume and following it with a 6-4, 6-1 win against Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian.
Her momentum continued with a 6-2, 6-4 Round of 16 victory over Naomi Osaka, the tournament’s 16th seed. Sabalenka then overcame Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko 7-6(0), 6-4 in the quarterfinals before defeating Linda Nosková 6-3, 6-4 in the semifinals to reach the championship match.
The final against Elena Rybakina proved to be the tournament’s toughest test. The match stretched over two and a half hours and swung dramatically between the two power hitters. Sabalenka ultimately rallied to win 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6), sealing her long-awaited Indian Wells crown. The victory marked her 23rd career WTA singles title and her 10th WTA 1000 trophy. Yet the triumph on court was only one part of a remarkable stretch in her personal life.
Just days before the tournament began, Sabalenka revealed that she had gotten engaged to Frangulis, the Brazilian businessman who founded the global açaí brand Oakberry. The proposal took place in a candlelit setting decorated with white rose petals and elaborate floral arrangements.
The engagement ring, a platinum piece featuring a 12-carat oval-cut diamond accented with emeralds, quickly drew attention online. The couple has been publicly linked since May 2024, and Frangulis has frequently been spotted cheering from Sabalenka’s player box during tournaments.
The third highlight is the newest addition to her “Team Tiger”: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy named Ash, whom she adopted at the start of the month.
What Personal Milestones Did Sabalenka Celebrate During Her Indian Wells Triumph?
Following the title win, Sabalenka shared her excitement on X, writing, “The best week of my life!! A new puppy, getting engaged and my first @bnpparibasopen title! Thank you for all of the support.”
Her fiancé soon followed with a message of his own on Instagram Stories, posting a cozy photo of the two sharing a kiss. Frangulis summed up their California experience with a playful caption: “Couple weeks in California and came back with a big trophy, a massive ring and a tiny dog! Such a legend you are meu amorzão. Te amo @arynasabalenka (I love this place and we’ll have to get a house here).”
Sabalenka reshared the post to her own Instagram Stories and responded with an affectionate reply: “Te Amo.”
With this win, Sabalenka heads to the Miami Open as the defending champion and the World No. 1. As the top seed, Sabalenka received a first-round bye. Her campaign will begin in the second round against either American Ann Li or a qualifier.
