Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning US Open champion, has made Miami her home away from home. After her triumph at Flushing Meadows, Sabalenka cut short her trip to Fashion Week to celebrate her boyfriend’s birthday in Florida.
“We went home to spend time there and just recharge,” said Sabalenka, who has been dating Georgios Frangulis, the founder and CEO of Oakberry acai bowls smoothies.
Sabalenka, who hails from Minsk, Belarus, has found solace in Miami, where she trains and plans to spend her vacation after the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
“I have a lot of plans, but I’m going to probably stay in Florida,” Sabalenka said. “It would be cool to feel the home atmosphere and just at home.”
Miami has become a sanctuary for Sabalenka, especially after she was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury.
“I was like, ‘I’m in Miami!'” she said. “It’s beautiful with a lot of stuff to do, a lot of good restaurants. I decided to just enjoy and take everything I can out of this difficult situation.”
Since recovering from her injury, Sabalenka has been on a tear, winning in Cincinnati, the US Open, and Wuhan to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking.
“Miami is so chill, so relaxed,” Sabalenka said. “Everyone is enjoying life. They’re not in a rush. They call it a place for retirement, and it’s so chill. But at the same time, the nightlife in Miami is so cool.”
For those planning a winter getaway, Sabalenka recommends Casadonna, a popular pizza restaurant in Miami.
“Miami pizza is incredible,” she said. “There’s so many good restaurants, beaches, nightclubs. It’s a cool place to relax, have fun and have good meals!”
