A New Chapter After New York
Aryna Sabalenka has made her first public appearance since her emotional US Open final defeat, stepping into the spotlight away from tennis as attention continues to surround her dramatic exit from the tournament.
The Belarusian star attended AC Milan’s match against Lecce at San Siro Stadium on Sunday, September 20, where she was welcomed as a special guest. The appearance marked a noticeably different setting for Sabalenka after an emotionally charged few days in New York.
Sabalenka Turns Heads in Milan
Sabalenka attracted attention as she watched the Serie A fixture from the stands. She wore a white and grey tank top with dark grey Korean-style trousers, a gold watch and a white handbag.
The tennis star was also presented with an AC Milan jersey featuring her name, providing a memorable moment during her visit to the iconic San Siro.
The club later welcomed Sabalenka publicly through social media, sharing a message celebrating her presence at the stadium.
Georgios Sends His Support
Sabalenka’s fiancé, Georgios Frangulis, also reacted to the tennis champion’s appearance.
Frangulis responded to AC Milan’s social-media post with three heart emojis, a brief but affectionate gesture that quickly caught the attention of fans following the couple.
The Brazilian entrepreneur became engaged to Sabalenka in March 2026, after the pair had been publicly linked since 2024.
Emotional US Open Exit
Sabalenka’s Milan appearance comes shortly after one of the most emotional endings to a Grand Slam campaign in her career.
The two-time defending US Open champion was attempting to win the title for a third consecutive year, but Elena Rybakina defeated her 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the final.
Following the loss, Sabalenka smashed her racket in frustration, an incident that generated widespread discussion. She was subsequently fined $7,500 for racket abuse.
Sabalenka Addresses Her Emotions
The 28-year-old has previously spoken openly about her approach to handling frustration on court. She has explained that expressing emotions can help her release pressure rather than allowing those feelings to remain bottled up.
Her US Open campaign had carried considerable pressure, with Sabalenka attempting to match a rare achievement last accomplished by Serena Williams between 2012 and 2014.
Focus Now Shifts Forward
Despite the disappointment in New York, Sabalenka’s appearance in Milan offered a glimpse of the player moving beyond the controversy and enjoying time away from competition.
Her next scheduled tournament is the China Open in Beijing, beginning September 30, giving the world No. 2 an opportunity to return to competitive action.
For now, however, the spotlight remains on Sabalenka’s life away from the court — and Georgios’ simple reaction showed that she continues to have support from those closest to her.