Aryna Sabalenka awkwardly makes engagement joke to boyfriend after winning first title of 2026

Aryna Sabalenka dropped a not-so subtle hint that she wants her boyfriend to propose.

While giving her victory speech to thousands of fans after winning the title in Brisbane, the world number one thanked her boyfriend but said she hoped to call him something else soon.

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The 27-year-old Belarusian made the perfect start to her 2026 season just a week away from the Australian Open.

She dominated the Brisbane International final against Marta Kostyuk, taking just 79 minutes to win 6-4 6-3.

That was her third Brisbane title in four years with Kostyuk having no answer to Sabalenka’s power.

It was after lifting the title that she directed a message at her boyfriend Georgios Frangulis.

She said: “Last but not least, thank you to my team for handling me. I really am the toughest to handle and you are the toughest in the world because you can handle me.

“Thank you to my boyfriend… Hopefully soon I can call you something else.

“Let’s just put some extra pressure.”

Who is Sabalenka’s boyfriend?

Sabalenka has been dating Brazilian entrepreneur Frangulis since 2024.

He founded the acai bowl company Oakberry, a global superfood chain with over 700 stores.

Frangulis is reported to have a net worth of around $75m.

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Sabalenka and the Australian Open

The Belarusian is a two-time winner at the Australian Open, winning the titles in 2023 and 2024.

She lost in the 2025 final to Madison Keys, but is looking to make it three out of four years.

Speaking on the Australian Open, which begins next Sunday, Sabalenka said: “The only thing I know is that I’ll be there, I’ll be fighting.”

“I’ll do my best to go as far as possible,” said Sabalenka.

“And do a little bit better than last year. That’s my focus.”

No one would bet against her lifting the fifth Grand Slam title of her career.

She powered to the Brisbane title without dropping a set and is in formidable form.

Sabalenka added: “Every day you go out there and prove your level, and I think this week I did it really well.”