Aryna Sabalenka's Marvelous Season Sparks Tribute from Georgios Frangulis to Her Belarusian Coach
Aryna Sabalenka has had an extraordinary year, largely thanks to the remarkable team that supports her both on and off the court. With a season filled with ups and downs, the Belarusian tennis star never lost sight of her ultimate goal, and a significant part of that credit goes to her trusted crew, led by her coach Jason Stacey. As she wrapped up the year by claiming the coveted World No.1 title, Sabalenka made sure her team shared in the glory. “I’m proud of myself. Not only myself, my team,” she stated, paying homage to the people who helped her stay grounded through her rollercoaster of a season.
Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, founder of Oak Berry, also joined in on the accolades, singling out coach Jason Stacey in a heartfelt tribute. Frangulis’s social media post showed the evolution of Sabalenka’s journey, from her first steps in the season to the triumphant moments under stadium lights. His caption, “Jason Stacey is a legend!” was a simple but powerful acknowledgment of Stacey’s dedication—a sentiment echoed by Sabalenka when she credited the “best team ever” after her strong run in the WTA Finals.
Sabalenka’s team doesn’t just strategize behind the scenes; they stand with her in the limelight, sometimes even with ink on their skin. During the US Open final, Jason Stacey sported a tattoo identical to Sabalenka’s forearm design, but on his head. It was more than a tattoo; it was a promise fulfilled, a gesture that told the world about the bond between player and coach, and their unwavering belief in each other. “We were able to overcome a lot of things,” Sabalenka said. “To be able to show such great tennis and become world #1—it’s teamwork. It’s not only me. The behind-the-scenes work nobody sees, but they do a lot for me.”
The 2024 season was indeed a testament to teamwork and resilience. Sabalenka began her campaign by making it to the finals of the Brisbane International, setting the tone for what would be a memorable year. She followed that up by clinching her maiden Australian Open title, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The Clay swing turned out to be a challenge, with Sabalenka finishing as runner-up in Madrid and Rome. Soon after, injury forced her out of the Grass swing, and her shoulder injury kept her off the courts temporarily.
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But champions are not defined by their setbacks—they are defined by their comebacks. And Sabalenka came back swinging, claiming victory at the Cincinnati Open and later at the Cincinnati Masters, further cementing her spot as one of the elite. She concluded her season with her second Grand Slam of the year at Flushing Meadows. Each title, each moment, was a collective achievement—a testament to the shared dreams and relentless effort of her entire team.
It wasn’t just the wins that captured people’s attention. During the US Open, the world watched as Stacey’s tattoo bet unfolded. In a playful yet profound show of solidarity, Sabalenka shared, “I forgot about that, but I think in Washington, there was one girl. She’s my fan; she’s supporting me and she always comes up with some cool stuff related to my name. She brought these temporary tattoos, and Jason promised me that if I make it to the finals, he’s gonna make it. He’s gonna put it on his forehead.” And indeed, Stacey did—marking the moment with a shared emblem of triumph and camaraderie.
Sabalenka’s marvelous season is not just about the titles and records; it’s also about the people behind the scenes, from her fitness coach Stacey to her boyfriend Frangulis, who have cheered, motivated, and stood by her every step of the way. Their collective spirit—the joy of training sessions, the rituals before matches, and the unwavering belief—is what drives Sabalenka. She heads into the next season, confident and determined, ready to defend her Australian Open title in Melbourne. With the team she has by her side, Sabalenka will once again be one of the strong favorites.
