The worlds of elite athletics and high-stakes hospitality collided this week at **Florida International University (FIU)** as tennis sensation **Aryna Sabalenka** and her fiancé, Brazilian businessman **Georgios Frangulis**, stepped out in style. The power couple traded the intensity of the pro tour for the lecture hall, appearing as guests of honor to support hospitality mogul **David Grutman** during the launch of his highly anticipated book and program, **”Take It Personal: How To Succeed By Building Relationships and Playing the Long Game.”**
A Masterclass in Connection
Held at the **Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management**, the event served as a homecoming for Grutman, an FIU alumnus and honorary doctorate recipient. For Sabalenka and Frangulis, the evening was more than a social engagement; it was a testament to the “Groot Hospitality” philosophy that prioritizes deep, personal bonds over transactional networking.
Sabalenka, currently navigating a brief hiatus from the court due to a recent injury, looked radiant alongside Frangulis, the founder of the global açaí brand **Oakberry**. Their presence highlighted the symbiotic relationship between sport and business, illustrating how the discipline required to reach world No. 1 status mirrors the relentless dedication needed to build a global hospitality empire.
The Grutman Blueprint: Why It’s Personal
The centerpiece of the evening was Grutman’s new book, *Take It Personal*, which codifies the strategies that transformed him from a bartender into the “King of Miami Nightlife.” During a panel discussion that featured Sabalenka and other high-profile guests, Grutman emphasized his core tenant: that success is inherently intimate.
“If someone goes to a different restaurant or club instead of yours, you have to take it personal,” Grutman told the audience of students and industry leaders. This approach—treating every guest as a vital connection rather than a number—has been the engine behind iconic venues like **LIV** and **Komodo**. For the students at FIU, seeing a global sports icon like Sabalenka endorse these values provided a bridge between classroom theory and real-world application.
From the Court to Corporate Success
Sabalenka’s involvement with the Grutman circle is well-documented; her stunning engagement ring was designed by **Isabela Grutman**, David’s wife and a close friend of the tennis star. During the FIU event, Sabalenka shared insights into how the “Take It Personal” mantra applies to the high-pressure environment of professional tennis.
Building a support team, fostering relationships with fans, and maintaining authenticity under the global spotlight are all elements of the “long game” that Grutman champions. By showing up for the FIU community, Sabalenka and Frangulis reinforced the idea that success—whether measured in Grand Slams or business acquisitions—is ultimately a team sport built on a foundation of genuine human connection.
A Legacy of Mentorship
The launch also signaled the return of the exclusive “David Grutman Experience” course at FIU, ensuring that the next generation of leaders in Miami’s booming hospitality sector is equipped with more than just technical skills. As Sabalenka and Frangulis watched on, the message was clear: in an increasingly digital world, the most valuable currency remains the personal touch. For these two world-class achievers, the evening at FIU was a stylish reminder that the strongest connections are those made off the court.