Aryna Sabalenka pulls out of Doha, sparks engagement rumors on social media

Aryna Sabalenka made headlines in more ways than one this week, announcing her withdrawal from the upcoming Qatar TotalEnergies Open and sparking rumors of an engagement to longtime boyfriend Georgios Frangulis.

The world No. 1 was slated to compete in her first tournament since finishing runner-up at the 2026 Australian Open in Doha but will sit out the first WTA 1000 tournament of the season, citing a change in schedule.

Sabalenka is poised to return to action at the following week’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, where she could face questions about the new ring she was seen sporting on social media on Wednesday.

Sabalenka has been dating Frangulis, CEO of açaí bowl brand Oakberry, since 2024, and has teased her desire to get engaged as recently as the Australian Open, where she hoped to call her boyfriend “something else” during her runner-up speech in Melbourne.

Winner of four Grand Slam singles titles, Sabalenka fell to 4-4 in major finals Down Under when she lost to Elena Rybakina, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, having led 3-0 in the final set.

The withdrawal moves world No. 2 and former champion Iga Swiatek up to top seed in the women’s draw, meaning eight of the Top 10 women are set to compete in Doha.