Aryna Sabalenka is garnering attention at Indian Wells, even before stepping onto the court. The World No. 1 announced her engagement and received congratulations from Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic Congratulates Sabalenka on Engagement
Aryna Sabalenka has been feeling the love at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. She debuted her new pup, Ash, and then announced her engagement to boyfriend Georgios Frangulis.
Sabalenka received congratulatory messages from fellow players on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz. Novak Djokovic joined them at the BNP Paribas Open.
“Must be a completely different feeling arriving to the tennis site today, right?” Djokovic said as he approached Sabalenka. The 24-time Grand Slam champion asked to see her engagement ring.
“I’m not sure if it’s actually good for him,” Sabalenka said jokingly of the engagement.
Djokovic and Sabalenka have a strong friendship, and last fall the Grand Slam champions enjoyed a double date in Athens.
The Proposal and the Ring
Frangulis proposed to Sabalenka in front of a pool covered in white rose petals, surrounded by an elaborate floral display. A glimpse of Sabalenka’s ring was caught at the end of the video.
Sabalenka shared a closer look at the ring on her Instagram story, with the caption, “Well, I obviously had NO idea this was happening tonight 😂”
Sabalenka’s Return to the Tour
Sabalenka is back on tour this week after missing the Middle East Swing. She is the top seed at Indian Wells, where she’s looking to win her first career title. She will play World No. 136 Himeno Sakatsume in her opening-round match on Friday, which will be their first career meeting.
Sabalenka had a dominant start to the season in Australia, winning her first 11 matches and winning the title in Brisbane before losing to Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final.
It’s been quite a week for Aryna Sabalenka at Indian Wells, and she hasn’t even taken the court yet.