Key Highlights
- Aryna Sabalenka is a world-class player and a brand ambassador for Gucci.
- Elena Rybakina, her opponent in the final, is more reserved and focused on her game.
- Rybakina has not won a grand slam title since 2022 Wimbledon.
- Both players have faced significant challenges off the court.
The Fashionista vs. The Quiet Champion: Sabalenka and Rybakina’s Paths to Glory
Aryna Sabalenka, a 182-centimetre right-hander, is no longer just a world-class tennis player; she’s also a bona fide brand ambassador for Gucci. At the start of this year’s Australian Open tournament, Sabalenka declared her ambition to be “something bigger than just a tennis player.” This declaration has certainly come true.
She’s worn custom-made on-court bling and appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, giving fans an insight into her glamorous side. Her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, is the founder of Oakberry, a global health food brand known for its açaí products.
Their relationship has provided Sabalenka with a sense of balance in her personal life, following the tragic loss of her former partner.
However, Elena Rybakina, her opponent in Saturday night’s final, could hardly be more different. The 26-year-old Russian-born Kazakh is quietly spoken and reserved, and has not won a grand slam title since her breakthrough success at Wimbledon in 2022. She switched allegiance from Russia to Kazakhstan in 2017 on the promise of better financial support.
From Brand Sabalenka to Quiet Rybakina
Rybakina’s demeanor is described as “chill,” but this can be misleading. “She doesn’t really give you anything, and I think that’s hard sometimes,” her opponent Jessica Pegula said after their semi-final clash. Despite these differences in personality, both players are fierce on-court rivals.
While Sabalenka has made a fashion statement during the tournament, wearing custom-made earring-and-necklace sets from luxury retailer Material Gold and sporting a colorful Nike outfit, Rybakina sticks to more minimalist attire. She hasn’t even worn a necklace on court this year.
Behind-the-Scenes Challenges
Rybakina has also faced significant challenges off the court. She reunited with 38-year-old Croatian coach Stefano Vukov, who successfully appealed his 12-month ban from WTA events after a WTA investigation into potential “abusive conduct” and “abuse of authority.” The details of this case remained confidential. Despite these controversies, Rybakina insists that Vukov never mistreated her during their time working together.
Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s personal life has been less tumultuous but still significant. She cheekily floated the prospect of an engagement to entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis at the Brisbane International, saying, “I hope soon I’ll call you something else.” This relationship provides her with a sense of stability during this Australian Open tournament.
On Court and Off
Both players have shown resilience in their careers. Sabalenka has won three more grand slam singles titles since 2024, while Rybakina has made it to the final without dropping a set on her way to the Australian Open. They are heavy-hitting baseliners who have met 14 times, with Sabalenka holding an 8-6 head-to-head advantage.
In the end, both players’ journeys to the final reflect their different approaches to the sport and life off the court.
While Sabalenka is embracing her brand identity, Rybakina remains focused on her game. The upcoming final will undoubtedly showcase these contrasting personalities in a high-stakes match.
