By Richard Pagliaro Saturday, March 21, 2026
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport
Alina Sabalenka Engaged to a Brazilian businessman Georges Frangoulis.
After defeating American Ann Lee in the Miami Open opener, Sabalenka said she has been learning Portuguese and enjoys Brazilian culture.
What does the world number one like most about Brazilian culture?
curse.
Sabalenka said swearing in Portuguese makes her happy.
“I try my best. But I’m using the app, I’m fluent, you know. I can
Conversation, any topic you want. “Sabalenka said. “But when I turn off my phone, I don’t know anything. but
curse? OMG. Guys, this is the most beautiful curse language.
I like it. Now it comes naturally out of my mouth, yes. As long as they’re good and they like it, I’m fine with it. “
The four-time Grand Slam champion said swearing in Portuguese also saved her from being punished by the referee.
“They’re like Russian and English, and when they play, they listen so that I don’t understand — the referees, they understand the language,” Sabalenka said. “When I
Tell them random things. It was in Portuguese, and, you know, I didn’t get any warning. (laughter.)
“Smart. But now they know, so now I have to come up with something different.”
