Sabalenka Messes Up Tribute in Cincinnati Open Victory Speech

Aryna Sabalenka, the Belarusian tennis star, claimed the Cincinnati Open title with an impressive performance, not dropping a single set throughout the tournament. This victory marks a significant achievement for Sabalenka, who had not secured a title since successfully defending her Australian Open crown earlier this year. Her dominant play included a notable upset against the world No. 2, solidifying her status as a top contender in women's tennis. During her victory speech, Sabalenka attempted to express gratitude to her boyfriend, Alex Frangulis, who was present in her support team. However, in a light-hearted moment, she inadvertently made it sound as if she had multiple romantic interests, leading to laughter from the audience and herself. "Thank you to my boyfriend to keep me happy every day," she said, which prompted a chuckle as she realized her slip of the tongue. The 26-year-old has been dating Frangulis, the CEO of Oakberry, since earlier this year, a company that also sponsors a Formula One team. This victory in Cincinnati is particularly sweet for Sabalenka, as it marks her first WTA 1000 title since winning the Madrid Open in May 2023. As she prepares for the upcoming US Open, Sabalenka's triumph in Ohio positions her as one of the favorites, further enhancing her reputation as a formidable competitor in the sport.