WATCH: Unexpected marriage proposal steals the spotlight during Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open clash vs Leylah Fernandez
Unexpected Marriage Proposal Steals Spotlight During Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open 2025 Clash vs. Leylah Fernandez
A heartwarming marriage proposal in the stands briefly upstaged **Aryna Sabalenka**’s dominant 6-3, 7-6(2) victory over **Leylah Fernandez** in the third round of the **US Open 2025** on August 29, 2025, at Louis Armstrong Stadium. As the world No. 1 and defending champion powered through a tense second-set tiebreak, a fan’s jumbotron proposal—complete with a ring and a tearful acceptance—captured the crowd’s attention, prompting cheers and smiles from Sabalenka herself. In her post-match press conference, she playfully referenced her boyfriend **Georgios Frangulis**, saying, “I looked at my boyfriend. No pressure,” sparking a frenzy among fans and media (India Today, August 30, 2025). This article delves into the viral moment, Sabalenka’s performance, and how fans in the UK, USA, Australia, and Nigeria can follow her US Open journey, as of 6:31 PM WAT, Saturday, August 30, 2025.
## The Proposal That Stole the Show
During a second-set changeover, with Sabalenka leading 6-3, 4-4, the Louis Armstrong Stadium jumbotron zoomed in on a man proposing to his partner, who accepted with tears and hugs, igniting a roaring ovation from the crowd (Sportstar, August 30, 2025). The US Open’s official X account shared the moment, captioning it, “A moment of love at the US Open! Congratulations! 💍 #LoveattheUSOpen” (@usopen, August 30, 2025). Sabalenka, focused on her match, later admitted, “I was trying not to smile too much because I was in the middle of a point… It was very cute” (AP News, August 30, 2025). She called it her first time witnessing a proposal during a match, adding, “I wish them a happy marriage” (The Times of India, August 30, 2025).
In her press conference, Sabalenka turned the moment personal, joking, “I don’t want this kind of proposal. But I looked at my boyfriend. No pressure” (EssentiallySports, August 30, 2025). Her cheeky remark about Frangulis, her partner since April 2024, went viral, with @TheTennisLetter tweeting, “Aryna Sabalenka on the proposal: ‘I looked at my boyfriend. No pressure’ 😭😭😭 She’s iconic” (August 30, 2025). Fans on X were ecstatic, with @TennisFanatic writing, “Aryna’s got Georgios sweating now! 😂 Love her vibe” (August 30, 2025).
## Sabalenka’s Dominant Performance
Despite the romantic distraction, Sabalenka delivered a clinical performance against Fernandez, the 2021 US Open finalist. She broke early in the first set to win 6-3 in 34 minutes, leveraging her powerful serve (12 aces) and 34 winners (Sportskeeda, August 30, 2025). The second set was tighter, with Fernandez saving break points and forcing a tiebreak, but Sabalenka’s 6-0 third-round tiebreak record at the US Open held firm, clinching it 7-6(2) (The Express, August 30, 2025). The win avenged her 2021 semifinal loss to Fernandez, showcasing her growth since her first US Open title in 2024 (Fakti.bg, August 30, 2025).
Sabalenka, who reached No. 1 after her Cincinnati title in August 2025, is now 3-0 in 2025 against Fernandez, having also won in Madrid and Dubai (Tennis.com, August 30, 2025). She advances to face **Cristina Bucsa** in the fourth round on August 31, 2025, with a potential quarterfinal against **Jasmine Paolini** or **Iga Swiatek** looming (The Express, August 30, 2025).
## Context: Sabalenka and Frangulis’ Relationship
Sabalenka’s playful jab at Frangulis, a Brazilian entrepreneur and Oakberry CEO, reflects their strong bond since dating began after the tragic passing of her ex-boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, in March 2024 (News18, August 30, 2025). Frangulis has been a supportive presence, cheering her at the US Open and collaborating on an Oakberry açaí bowl promotion (Tennis.com, August 30, 2025). Sabalenka previously dispelled engagement rumors in 2024, saying, “It’s just a beautiful ring” (Daily Mail, August 30, 2025), but her US Open comment suggests openness to future steps, albeit not via a public proposal.
## Fan and Media Reactions
The proposal and Sabalenka’s response dominated headlines, with Republic World noting, “Love served an ace as the proposal took centre stage” (August 30, 2025). Fans on X were thrilled, with @josemorgado tweeting, “Sabalenka’s handling proposals and tiebreaks like a boss. What a queen” (August 30, 2025). Others focused on her game, with @WTAFanatic writing, “Aryna’s unstoppable right now. That tiebreak was pure fire” (August 30, 2025). The moment also sparked playful speculation about Frangulis, with @DoublesFan joking, “Georgios better start ring shopping!” (August 30, 2025).
