The US Open is no stranger to unforgettable moments, but sometimes, the magic extends beyond the court itself. That was exactly the case during Aryna Sabalenka’s third-round clash against Canadian star Leylah Fernandez at the 2025 tournament, when the defending champion found herself caught up in a heartwarming scene that almost stole the spotlight from her victory.
The world No. 1, known for her power-packed game and fiery determination, was fully locked in on the match at Louis Armstrong Stadium when the action was suddenly interrupted by a moment of pure romance. A fan in the stands dropped down to one knee and proposed, drawing immediate cheers from the crowd. Cameras quickly panned to capture the tearful acceptance and the couple’s emotional embrace, sending waves of applause echoing through the stadium.
Sabalenka, who is no stranger to dramatic atmospheres, admitted after the match that the proposal nearly distracted her as she pushed for the win. “It was a very sweet moment,” she said during her post-match press conference, smiling as she recalled the unexpected interruption. “I almost got caught up in it.”
The Belarusian, however, didn’t just leave it at that. Known for her humor and candor, Sabalenka couldn’t resist dropping a playful remark that had the press room erupting in laughter. “I don’t want this kind of proposal,” she clarified, before cheekily adding, “But I looked at my boyfriend. Yeah, no pressure.”
Her boyfriend, Brazilian entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis, was in the stands watching closely, as he has been since their relationship became public in 2024. Frangulis, the founder of the popular global açaí brand Oakberry, has been one of Sabalenka’s biggest sources of strength off the court. The two have been spotted traveling together, with Sabalenka often acknowledging how his support has helped her manage the pressures of being at the very top of the women’s game.
The crowd’s romantic interlude didn’t throw Sabalenka off for too long, as she went on to close the match 6-3, 7-6(2). With the win, she not only avenged her semifinal loss to Fernandez back in 2021 but also extended her incredible streak of 17 straight tiebreak victories—a statistic that underlines her mental toughness in clutch situations.
Still, the image of Sabalenka glancing toward Frangulis with a mischievous grin may well be one of the lasting snapshots of this year’s tournament. For all her dominance on court, moments like these remind fans of her fun-loving personality and ability to balance the seriousness of competition with lightheartedness.
When asked about the newly engaged fans, Sabalenka was all smiles. “I just want to wish them a happy marriage,” she said warmly. “It was really a sweet, beautiful moment. Honestly, it gave me some good energy out there.”
As the world No. 1 continues her quest for back-to-back US Open titles, fans will no doubt remember this day not only for her victory but for the charming way she turned a fan proposal into a playful nudge toward her own boyfriend. For Sabalenka, it was the perfect blend of love, laughter, and tennis—a reminder that sometimes, the biggest wins come with a side of romance