Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked world number one in tennis, is shifting her focus to an exhibition match against Nick Kyrgios in Dubai. This event marks another chapter in the ongoing “Battle of the Sexes” series, which seeks to highlight the talent of female athletes against male counterparts.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Upcoming Match
On December 31, 2025, Sabalenka will face Kyrgios in a three-set exhibition match. The match comes more than five decades after Billie Jean King famously defeated Bobby Riggs. While many anticipate an entertaining showdown, it faces criticism. Detractors argue that if Sabalenka loses, it could undermine the status of women’s tennis. Critics also highlight Kyrgios’s current ranking of 672nd and his limited competitive play this year.
Sabalenka’s Impressive Career
In 2025, Sabalenka had a remarkable year. She reached three of the four Grand Slam finals and secured her fourth major title at the US Open in September. Her previous accomplishments include:
- Back-to-back titles at the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024.
- A total of 21 WTA Tour-level singles titles.
- Three semi-final appearances at Wimbledon.
Her current financial success is noteworthy. In 2025 alone, Sabalenka earned over £11 million in prize money, setting a record for the highest earnings in a single WTA season. Overall, she has amassed over £35 million in career earnings, placing her second on the all-time WTA list behind only Serena Williams.
Personal Heartbreak Amid Success
While Sabalenka enjoys her professional achievements, she has also faced profound personal tragedy. In March of the previous year, her former boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, passed away at the age of 42. Koltsov, a professional ice hockey player, died following an incident at a Miami hotel. Initial investigations by the Bal Harbour Police suggested it was an apparent suicide, though his ex-wife disputed this claim, labeling it a likely accident.
Sabalenka described Koltsov’s death as an “unthinkable tragedy,” emphasizing that her heart was broken despite their separation. She requested privacy for herself and Koltsov’s family during this challenging time.
Her New Relationship
Following this difficult period, Sabalenka has found companionship with Greek-Brazilian entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis. The couple went public with their relationship in May 2025. Frangulis, founder of the successful Oakberry acai superfood brand, often supports Sabalenka at her matches and shares affectionate moments on social media.
Frangulis is estimated to have a net worth of £80 million, which is significantly higher than Sabalenka’s estimated £16 million. Despite personal losses, Sabalenka continues to thrive in her career, underscoring her resilience as an athlete and individual.
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