WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka holds hands with Georgios Frangulis as pair explore race car driving at F1's Emilio Romagna Grand Prix

Aryna Sabalenka pictured with Georgios Frangulis at the Emilio Romagna Grand Prix 2024
Aryna Sabalenka pictured with Georgios Frangulis at the Emilio Romagna Grand Prix 2024

Aryna Sabalenka put her 2024 Italian Open loss behind her by going on a track date with Georgios Frangulis at F1’s Emilio Romagna Grand Prix. The pair interacted with racing drivers and followed the race live during their visit.

Sabalenka was crushed by arch-rival Iga Swiatek 6-2, 6-3 in the final in Rome on Saturday, May 18. This was her second straight WTA 1000 final loss to the Pole following an identical outcome at the Madrid Open.

Despite the setback, Aryna Sabalenka seemed to be in good spirits the next day as she attended the Emilio Romagna Grand Prix with Georgios Frangulis, an avid racing driver himself. Frangulis, who is also the founder and CEO of Oakberry Acai Bowls, introduced the World No. 2 to the Oakberry-sponsored MoneyGram Haas F1 Team.

Sabalenka, who is also the healthy fast-food brand’s partner, met with Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg before the race. The World No. 2 shared a few highlights from her day at the Grand Prix event, which included exploring the tracks and holding hands with Frangulis. She also posed for a picture with Hollywood icon and tennis lover Hugh Grant.

She also tagged Georgios Frangulis in one of her stories, adding hand-heart emojis.

"From the court to the track. Thanks for the tour @haasf1team!" Aryna Sabalenka wrote on Instagram.

Check the highlights here:

Aryna Sabalenka shares highlights with Georgios Frangulis on Instagram
Aryna Sabalenka shares highlights with Georgios Frangulis on Instagram

Aryna Sabalenka gave a heart-warming shoutout to Georgios Frangulis after her Italian Open 2024 campaign

Sabalenka pictured with champion Iga Swiatek at the 2024 Italian Open
Sabalenka pictured with champion Iga Swiatek at the 2024 Italian Open

During her runner-up speech at the Italian Open, Aryna Sabalenka thanked her coaching team for always being by her side and also expressed her delight at Georgios Frangulis attending her matches.

"They know everything. I’m a really happy person to have you by my side," she said, highlighting her team’s backing during the highs and lows.

Sabalenka then blew Frangulis a kiss as they affectionately gestured at each other with hand hearts. The Brazil-based entrepreneur has been spotted in the two-time Grand Slam champion’s box since the Madrid Open.

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

Aryna Sabalenka has been banking on her team’s support following her former boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov's tragic passing during the Miami Open.

Earlier this month, Sabalenka’s coach, Anton Dubrov, revealed that though the tennis player hasn’t completely recovered from the loss, he and the team are trying to do “everything possible” to make things easier for her.

"It's not easy because a tragic event happened in her life. Of course, it's hard to separate it from tennis, but at the same time the idea was to try to sideline it and focus on the game, which can become a cure," Dubrov said as per L’Equipe.
"Whatever happens in life, the main thing is to continue to do simple things, to live on. She hasn't 100% recovered yet, but she's already better," he added. "We in the team try to support Aryna and do everything possible so that she can focus on what she needs to do."

Following the Italian Open, Sabalenka will shift her focus to the French Open, where she will be defending her semifinal run from last year. The Belarusian will hope to clinch her third Grand Slam at the tournament after her Australian Open repeat (2023, 2024).

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Edited by Pranjali P.
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