"Just like I promised" - Aryna Sabalenka blows a kiss to Georgios Frangulis, thanks him for his support after Italian Open final

Aryna Sabalenka thanked Georgios Frangulis for his support following her 2024 Italian Open campaign. The player also blew him a kiss to show her love during her speech.

On Saturday, May 18, Iga Swiatek beat Sabalenka 6-2, 6-3 in the final in Rome to clinch her third trophy at the tournament. This was the Belarusian’s second consecutive final defeat to Swiatek after their Madrid Open title clash a couple of weeks ago.

In the runner-up speech, a disheartened Aryna Sabalenka made a tongue-in-cheek remark about her team making her "lose another final." She, however, expressed her gratitude, noting that she has their backing despite almost giving up on the campaign due to back injury.

"They know everything. I’m a really happy person to have you by my side," she said.

"Actually, three rounds before, we weren’t sure that we’re gonna play and compete and make it to the final. It was a huge achievement with the little injury and hopefully I will recover fast for Roland Garros."

Aryna Sabalenka then thanked Georgios Frangulis for his support in a heart-warming moment. She also blew a kiss in his direction and gestured at him with a hand heart. Frangulis reciprocated by lovingly mirroring her gesture.

"And just like I promised, Georgios, thank you for your support," Sabalenka said to Frangulis.

Watch the video here (02:34):

Frangulis, a race car driver, is also the founder and CEO of Oakberry Acai Bowls, a healthy fast-food brand based out of Brazil that has Sabalenka as its partner.

Frangulis has been cheering the tennis player on from the stands lately. He was present in the players’ box during all of Sabalenka’s matches in Madrid and Rome. Although speculation is rife about the duo’s relationship, neither has confirmed anything in that regard.

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Aryna Sabalenka celebrated her Italian Open 2024 final feat with Georgios Frangulis and her team

Aryna Sabalenka (L) pictured with Iga Swiatek at the 2024 Italian Open

The final in Rome was Aryna Sabalenka’s career’s first. Her significant achievement was celebrated by her team, including Georgios Frangulis.

Frangulis’ brand’s social media page also lauded the two-time Grand Slam champion’s “unstoppable” display.

"Congrats on making it to another finals, this time at the @internazionalibnlditalia ! Keep pushing, @arynasabalenka. We’re super proud of our unstoppable champion! To many more battles and your favorite açaí bowls along the way. Keep shining, Aryna!" the Oakberry USA page wrote on social media.

Sabalenka and Frangulis also went on a dinner date with her team at Taverna Trilussa, which is frequented by tennis players. The pair was all smiles as they held hands while posing for a picture.

"Last dinner in the best place @tavernatrilussa," Aryna Sabalenka wrote on Instagram. "Thank you so much for all our great dinners here in Rome. See you next year."

Sabalenka pictured with Georgios Frangulis and her coaching team

Following her Italian Open campaign, the World No. 2 will set her sights on clinching her third Grand Slam title and first at the French Open.