When Aryna Sabalenka clinched the US Open title in 2024, her victory wasn’t the only thing that caught the public eye. The Belarusian tennis star’s striking Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph, a rainbow-colored watch gifted by Audemars Piguet, perfectly matched her vibrant purple match dress, and later, her red championship gown. Sabalenka’s alliance with the esteemed Swiss watchmaker, Audemars Piguet, manifested in this timepiece, which became a sensation and made headlines.
As we step into 2025, Audemars Piguet is commemorating a significant milestone – 150 years of creating ultra-luxe, high-end watches. This legacy dates back to 1875, and to celebrate this momentous occasion, the brand organized a grand dinner. Attending this event was none other than Aryna Sabalenka, accompanied by her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, who seemed equally enchanted by both Sabalenka and the event.
Sabalenka arrived at the event in a stylish pencil gray tapered suit with a black tie and heels, accessorized with a signature Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Mini. This 23 mm watch, influenced by the 1997 Mini Oak, comes in 18-carat yellow, white, or pink gold, each with a unique Frosted Gold finish. Sabalenka chose the 18-carat yellow one to complement her attire.
Recognizing its 150-year-old legacy, Audemars Piguet continues to innovate in horology. The newest addition to its esteemed collection is the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked ref. 26585XT, symbolizing the brand’s dedication to innovation and timeless craftsmanship.
In a show of support, Frangulis took to Sabalenka’s Instagram to comment, “AP for life”. This simple yet powerful statement reaffirms his love for both his girlfriend and the Audemars Piguet brand.
Sabalenka’s association with Audemars Piguet kicked off last year when she became one of the brand’s ambassadors, joining the ranks of John Mayer, Travis Scott, and Serena Williams, who had partnered with AP in 2014. She expressed her excitement about this partnership to her 2.3 million Instagram followers through a behind-the-scenes tour of Audemars Piguet’s headquarters in Le Brassus, Switzerland. Here, she got a firsthand look at the brand’s museum and atelier, and saw watchmakers meticulously assembling timepieces, a testament to Audemars Piguet’s rich watchmaking history.
Away from the tennis court, post her exit from the Dubai Tennis Championships, Sabalenka has been actively backing the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and its partnership with Saudi Arabia.
In a recent event in Hollywood hosted by the WTA, Sabalenka voiced her support for the association’s new branding initiative. She applauded the WTA’s commitment to showcasing player personalities and broadening the sport’s global reach, hoping that this new identity would significantly enhance women’s tennis.
At the same event, the World No. 1 also acknowledged the increasing role of Saudi Arabia in women’s tennis, expressing gratitude for their support. These developments, coupled with a rebranding initiative and substantial financial backing, signal a transformative era for the WTA and women’s tennis at large.