Sabalenka: Secret Joy of Brazilian Culture

By Richard Pagliaro | Saturday, March 21, 2026
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport

Aryna Sabalenka is engaged to Brazilian businessman Georgios Frangulis.

After defeating American Ann Li in her Miami Open opener, Sabalenka shared she’s been studying Portuguese and relishes Brazilian culture.

The world No. 1’s favorite aspect of Brazilian culture?

Cursing.

Sabalenka says cursing in Portuguese puts her in a happy place.

“I try my best. But I’m on the app, I’m like fluent, you know. I can just talk, any topics you want.,” Sabalenka said. “But then when I turn off my phone, I know nothing. But cursing? Oh, my God. This is the most beautiful language for cursing, guys.

“I love it. And now it’s naturally comes out of my mouth, and yeah. As long as they okay, they like it, I’m good with that.”

The four-time Grand Slam champion says cursing in Portuguese has also kept her safe from chair umpires’ penalties.

“They know like Russian and English, when they go in the match, they listen just so I don’t get — the umpires, they know the language,” Sabalenka said. “And they just, like, don’t pay attention when I
speak for them random stuff. It’s Portuguese, and, you know, I don’t get any, yeah, any warnings. (Laughter.)

“Smart. But now they know, so now I have to come up with some different stuff.”