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Brazil Brings Tropical Flair, a Sense of Resurgence to Marché du Film Opening Party

Brazil Brings Tropical Flair, a Sense of Resurgence to Marché du Film Opening Party

Yahoo17-05-2025

Brazil brought its tropical flair to the Croisette for the opening party of this year's Marché du Film, held at Plage des Palmes and co-hosted by the market's Executive Director, Guillaume Esmiol. The evening, which was infused with Brazilian culture and festivities, saw the presence of the country's Minister of Culture, Margareth Menezes, as well as Audiovisual Secretary Joelma Gonzaga, and officially marked the start of a series of special activities and initiatives centered around the South American country at the market.
Brazil, the Marché du Film's 2025 Country of Honor, is currently undergoing a strong resurgence and has a prominent presence at the French festival this year, with the country's industry delegation doubling in number from 2024. It is now the country with the highest number of participants in Latin America and a burgeoning global power, actively focusing on attracting international partners and fostering co-productions. This momentum has not gone unnoticed by the market, with several leading names in the industry attending the opening night celebrations and in town to possibly get a better understanding of how to collaborate with Brazil.
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Amongst attendees in Marché's opening party were the director of Berlinale Pro Tanja Meissner, Unifrance's Deputy General Manager Gilles Renouard, plus sales agents such as Irene Airoldi from Spain's Filmax, as well as Ambassador of Brazil in France Ricardo Neiva Tavares, Rio Film Festival head Ilda Santiago, President of Spcine Lyara Oliveira, and RioFiime President Leonardo Edde. Lauded Brazilian singer Luedji Luna was the night's musical attraction.
The following morning, at the opening session of panels revolving around Brazil Country of Honour, Esmiol praised the country's hosting abilities, as well as highlighted its importance in the market. 'It's very important for us to help countries with high ambitions to be able to present their initiatives,' he said when speaking of the process of choosing Brazil as the Country of Honor. 'We have double the number of Brazilian professionals at the Marché du Film. That's great, but the point is not only for them to come in general but to connect with the international film industry.'
And Brazil is connecting indeed. It's early days of Cannes still, but several buzzy projects involving the South American giant have already been announced, including Globoplay's 'In the Garden of the Ogre,' an adaptation of Cannes jury member Leila Slimani's debut novel directed by Carolina Jabor ('Good Luck') and starring Alice Braga ('Queen of the South'); Viola Davis's Ashé Ventures boarding 'The Girl Who Could Fly,' Maria Farinha Filmes' biopic of trailblazing Black Brazilian gymnast Daiane dos Santos; Carlos Saldanha wrapping production on open sea epic '100 Nights,' picked up by Global Constellation, and the Rotterdam Festival's 's Hubert Bals Fund teaming with three leading Brazilian film promotion orgs – Spcine, RioFilme, Projeto Paradiso – to launch HBF+Brazil: Co-development Support.
Speaking at the opening panel at the Marché, Minister of Culture Margareth Menezes highlighted that 'Brazil is in a place of global prominence.' Of the momentum, the Minister categorically said: 'We've officially entered the pitch and we are a competing player.'
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Guns N' Roses announce more 2025 tour dates
Guns N' Roses announce more 2025 tour dates

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Guns N' Roses announce more 2025 tour dates

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Guns N' Roses have announced a Latin American leg of their ongoing Because What You Want & What You Get Are Two Completely Different Things tour. The new run of dates kicks off at Estadio Nacional in San Jose, Costa Rica on October 1. It takes in dates in El Salvador, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Peru before coming to an undoubtedly giddy climax on November 8 at Mexico City's Estadio GNP Seguros. Guns N' Roses – described by their publicists as "the most dynamic, dangerous, and definitive American rock band in history to this day" – began their current tour last month in South Korea, and are now in Europe following shows in Japan, Thailand, India, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Georgia and Turkey. UK shows take place on June 23 at Villa Park in Birmingham andJune 26 at London's Wembley Stadium. Jun 09: Barcelona Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, SpainJun 12: Florence Firenze Rocks, Italy*^Jun 15: Hradec Kralove Rock For People, Czech Republic*^Jun 18: Dusseldorf Merkur Spiel-Arena, Germany^Jun 20: Munich Allianz Arena, Germany^Jun 23: Birmingham Villa Park, UKJun 26: London Wembley Stadium, UKJun 29: Aarhus Eskelunden, Denmark+Jul 02: Trondheim Granåsen Ski Centre, Norway+Jul 04: Stockholm Strawberry Aren, Sweden+Jul 07: Tampere Ratina Stadium, Finland+Jul 10: Kaunas Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Lithuania+Jul 12: Warsaw PGE Nardowy, Poland+Jul 15: Budapest Puskás Aréna, Hungary+Jul 18: Belgrade Ušće Park, Serbia+Jul 21: Sofia Vasil Levski Stadium, Bulgaria+Jul 24: Vienna Ernst Happel Stadion, Austria#Jul 28: Luxembourg Open Air, Luxembourg#Jul 31: Wacken Festival, Germany* Oct 01: San Jose Estadio Nacional, Costa RicaOct 04: San Salvador Estadio Cuscatlan, El Salvador Oct 07: Bogotá Vive Claro, ColombiaOct 11: Medellín Atanasio Girardot, Colombia Oct 14: Santiago Parque Estadio Nacional, ChileOct 17: Buenos Aires Estadio Huracan, ArgentinaOct 21: Florianópolis Arena Opus, BrazilOct 25: São Paulo Allianz Parque, Brazil Oct 28: Curitiba Pedreira Paulo Leminski , Brazil Oct 31: Cuiabá Arena Pantanal, BrazilNov 02: Brasília Arena BSB, BrazilNov 5: Lima Estadio Nacional, Peru|Nov 8: Mexico City Estadio GNP Seguros, Mexico * = Festival appearance+ = with Public Enemy^ = with Rival Sons# = with Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter Tickets for previously announced shows are on sale now.

Boxing, Uprisings, LGBTQ+ and Coming-of-Age Stories Power Guadalajara Co-Production Meetings Lineup
Boxing, Uprisings, LGBTQ+ and Coming-of-Age Stories Power Guadalajara Co-Production Meetings Lineup

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Boxing, Uprisings, LGBTQ+ and Coming-of-Age Stories Power Guadalajara Co-Production Meetings Lineup

Celebrating its 21st edition, the Co-Production Meetings hosted by the Guadalajara Film Festival's (FICG) industry program, aims to foster collaboration among producers from Latin America, Spain and Portugal. Unfolding over the three days of industry activities June 9 -11, the selected projects vie for cash awards, one of which covers nearly the entire production of a film—from development through post-production—all in a single award, according to Industry head, Ximena Urrutia. More from Variety Climate Change Hell, Military Coups, Big Industry Pollution, Fractured Families: Guadalajara Gives a Bracing Latin American Take on World Collapse Guadalajara Highlights Hits, Notable Debuts Among Recent Spanish, Portuguese-Language Movies, Plus a Film About a 'Hell of Naked Depravity' Leading Mexican Post-Production Houses Chemistry and Semillero Join Forces in Guadalajara (EXCLUSIVE) 'It's a significant boost for the selected projects,' Urrutia tells Variety, adding: 'We have approximately 20 projects participating in the Co-Production Meetings. We work closely with each of them, identifying their specific needs and matching them with the right industry professionals to help move their projects forward.' 'These are often early-stage projects—some come to us as mere concepts or story outlines, without even a completed script. That's all we require for submission: a clear narrative idea. From there, the development process begins,' she notes. The selection includes three projects set in the boxing world, while a few are LGBTQ+ themed with one, 'Diamonds are Forever,' featuring a gay boxer. Coming-of-age, music and identity stories abound. Acclaimed Chilean actress-helmer ('Chile '76') Manuela Martelli co-directs and acts in the film-within-a-film drama, 'Cupid's Arrow.' Running parallel to the Co-Production Meetings is Episodio Cero, a program focused on series rather than films. This follows a similar format, supporting the development and realization of serialized content. Titles in the Co-Production Meetings: 'This Bolero is for Ita' ('Un bolero para Ita,' Writer: Camila Caballero, Colombia) Produced by Sebastian Caballero and Vanessa Gómez of Red Collision Studios ('The Judge's Shadow'), Gustavo, an elderly radio host, is stranded at the Venezuelan-Colombian border while trying to repair his mixing console. As the sudden closure deepens the rift with his wife back home, he makes a final attempt to reach her—broadcasting the first bolero he ever dedicated to her. 'There are almost no films that tell the story of the border crisis through love, especially with two elderly protagonists. This film captures the heartache of being torn apart overnight from the person with whom you've shared a life.' Project has tapped Colombia's Film Development Fund and will participate in the Bogota Audiovisual Market (BAM). No director attached yet. 'Rebellion of Memory' ('Rebelión de Memoria,' Joël Jent, Switzerland, Peru) Documentary. Between 1980 and 2001, Peru's Andean highlands were ravaged by conflict between the Shining Path guerrilla and state forces. A former child soldier and his parents – once on opposing sides – now struggle to confront their past and seek reconciliation in the shadow of memory. 'This is the first film to include decision makers of both sides of Peru's civil war,' says Jent ('Eating the Silence'), who attends FICG. Project has tapped several Swiss incentives and participated in various labs including the IDFA Project Space, DOK Leipzig Co-Production Market and EsoDoc where it won the Pitching Award in 2023. 'Rebellion' ('Rebeldia,' Maria de Medeiros, Portugal, Brazil, Luxembourg) Based on the true story of Annie Silva Pais, daughter of Portugal's secret police chief, who abandoned her life in 1965 to join the Cuban Revolution. A devoted revolutionary and Fidel Castro's translator, she returned only after the Carnation Revolution – to fight for her father's release. Produced by leading Portuguese shingle, Fado Filmes, and to be directed by actress Maria de Medeiros ('Pulp Fiction'). In development, the project already has 50% of its budget in place and seeks to cover at least 20% from a Latin American partner. 'First We Take Anillaco' ('Primero tomamos Anillaco,' Paula Martel, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay) Coming-of-age road movie and standout at March's Malaga Festival Fund & Co-Production event. It follows a gang of teenagers who set out across northern Argentina on a wild mission: to assassinate the country's most corrupt and reviled former president. Producers Colectivo Rutemberg, Filmes Sem Sapato, Color Haus and Circular Media are seeking to connect with distributors, sales agents and platforms. To date, 25% of the budget is in place. Producer Francisco Novick has participated with his films in Fulgor Lab, Cartagena Production Meeting, Tallinn Black Nights, DOK Liepzig and the BR Lab, among others. 'The Young and the Broken' ('Los Hijos también lloran,' Lorena Maza, Mexico) Dramedy produced by Traziende Films and Tejuino Ent., turns on an actor who reconstructs his 1980s childhood in order to understand the trauma of his father's sudden death. Between theater, film and television, he retraces his life through the very forms that taught him how to feel, tell stories and endure. It is lead produced by Monica Vargas who founded Traziende 25 years ago, and whose multiple credits include Netflix's first Mexican series, 'Club of Crows' ('Club de Cuervos'). Writer-lead Actor Andrés Zuno ('Señora Acero') adapts his autobiographical novel and play. 'Blurring the lines between what is factual and what is imagined, this one-of-a-kind film involves experimental forms of writing and storytelling, pushing the boundaries of traditional narrative structures,' says Vargas. 'Cupid's Arrow' ('La fleche de Cupido,' Ernesto Meléndez & Manuela Martelli, Chile) Produced by Olimpo Films which aims at creating elevated queer cinema. Antonio, a little-known foreign actor, arrives in Santiago to star in his partner Millaray's new film—an erotic gay drama set in 1973. Fiction blurs with reality when he falls for his co-star, and brother-in-law, Lautaro. 'This is a project that takes the soup opera genre to create a meta-proposition in which a film director films a movie that unwittingly reflects her reality. The film within the film will actually be directed by the actress who plays the director (Manuela Martelli), creating an interesting (or unprecedented) performative co-directed film,' says writer, co-director Meléndez. Participated in the 2023 ValpoLab and has tapped Chile's film fund to finalize the script. 'God's Favorite Girl' ('La favorita de Dios,' Diego Ulloa Alvear, Spain, Ecuador) From Barcelona-based Funicular Films, founded in 2021 by Aina Clotet, Jan Andreu, Marc Clotet, and Marta Baldó. Its first production, 'This Is Not Sweden,' premiered in 2023 and received the Prix Europa for Best European TV Fiction, the Ondas Award for Best Comedy Series and recognition at Canneseries. At Guadalajara, the company is represented by Baldó and director Diego Ulloa, who co-wrote the screenplay with Marina Parés. Pic follows 16-year-old Pachi who claims to receive messages from the Virgin Mary after her parents announce their divorce—an act that escalates into a national controversy. The project won First Prize at ESCAC's Opera Prima Lab. 'This is a project with soul, humor and a deep sense of humanity wrapped in a hyperlocal story. A teenager eager to please, a perfectionist mother, a deeply hypocritical society and a lie that ends up shaking an entire country,' says Baldó. 'The Insignificant' ('La Chaucha,' Alfonso Gazitúa Gaete, Chile) Coming-of-age drama turns on Marina, a shy 15-year-old girl struggling with panic attacks, who dreams of competing in female freestyle. With the support of a musician and an unconventional band, she learns to face her fears and find her own voice. Produced by Chile's Ciudad Cultural Prods, led by Alexis Sánchez, a company dedicated to telling authentic Latin American stories with creativity and technical excellence, creating original content for film, television, and digital platforms with global reach. 'Inspired by my teenage kids, I explore youth mental health, self-worth and the struggle to express oneself—what my parents called 'la chaucha,' a symbol of unrealized potential,' says Gazitúa Gaete. 'The Beam' ('La Centella,' Nicolás Gutiérrez Wenhammar, Mexico) Documentary described as a captivating journey through the mysterious phenomena that traverse the Mexican skies, told through the eyes of those who have witnessed them. Produced by Cauce Prods. and El Relicario Cine, led by Jorge Diez Maza and Gutierrez, project has nearly 25% of its budget in place and seeks co-producers as well as development and production funding. Cauce, a transmedia conception, production and distribution organization founded in 2015, has produced and distributed two features ('Mientras la prisión exista,' and 'Sísifos') and two transmedia projects (' 'La Noche sin sombra'). ''La Centella' is a poetic documentary that blends science fiction, oral storytelling, and Mexican folklore to explore luminous phenomena in the sky. Its hybrid form and dreamlike aesthetic celebrate mystery as a source of imagination,' says Diez. 'Juliette & Camille,' (Paloma Zapata, Spain) Documentary follows two ethnically diverse musicians as they come together to create the soundtrack for a documentary. But their collaboration transforms into a journey of self-discovery, as both delve into their pasts in search of their place in the present. Produced by La Fabrica Naranja and Indigena Films with Sara Horta leading the production. Project has nearly 70% of its budget in place and seeks a sales agent and distributor. Horta previously founded the company Pixel Films which produced short films 'La niña azul,' 'Ainhou' and 'Restart.' She produced the drama 'Dhogs,' which premiered at Bafici and Sitges. 'Undefeated' ('Invicta,' Inti Herrera & Yoe Pérez, Cuba) Documentary produced by Neissy Delgado and Reymel Delgado of 14films about female boxer Namibia who was never able to represent Cuba in the ring. Against all odds in the male dominated sport, she survives undefeated in the county where only men can box. Project has 21% of its budget in place and seeks co-producers in both production and post-production stages. Delgado is executive producing two sports features and a historical fiction film. Director Herrera's producing credits include zombie slacker comedy 'Juan of the Dead' by Juan Brugués, which won a Goya, Spain's Oscar equivalent, and Carlos Lechuga's 'Melaza.' 'Evolet' (Ian Martín, Mexico) Fantasy horror drama in development, set in the mystical realm of Eldoria, where Princess Evolet seeks to claim the throne from her half-brother, guided by a powerful curse that grants her deepest desires—at a dire cost. A winner of the Feratum 2024 Residency, 'Evolet' explores themes of power, ambition, and identity. The project is led by Islandia, an independent production company founded by Alex Briseño (Samuel Kishi's 'Somos Maripepa'), committed to emotionally resonant cinema. With current projects including 'Tú y Yo' and 'Tornado Rojo,' Islandia is seeking co-producers for Martín's debut feature. 'It's a drama that explores the power we grant ourselves with titles like leaders or kings, and how those powers can vanish,' says Briseño. 'The Foreign Man' ('El Extranjero,' Sebastián Rodríguez, Argentina, Spain) Lechiguana Films, a boutique production company founded in Buenos Aires in 2021, is represented at FICG by founding partner and EP Nicolás Torcanowsky. Known for music videos for artists like Dillom and Lali, and films with sister company Vista Sur ('El Faro,''Dalia and the Red Book'). Written and directed by Rodríguez, 'The Foreign Man' is a political thriller set during Argentina's 1978 World Cup. The story follows a Spanish journalist who gets entangled with a young activist during the dictatorship in Argentina. The project has gained momentum through labs like Mendoza, Bolivia, MAFIZ and Medellin, and seeks co-production partners in Europe and Latin America. 'Beast' ('El Bestia,' Isidoro Sarfati, Mexico) Produced by Carolina Amador and Isidoro Sarfati of Bamba Films, 'Beast' follows boxer Gama whose delusions of grandeur, a ruthless trainer and struggles with his inner demons transform him into 'El Bestia.' Sports drama has some 25% of its projected budget and is seeking more partners in production and distribution. Producers are looking to tap the Jalisco cash rebate. Amador's credits include 'Santitos' and 'Sexo, pudor y lagrimas.' Sarfati, a London Film School graduate, produced 'Through the Eyes' ('A los ojos') by Michel and Victoria Franco. 'Love in the Time of Bacaneria' ('El amor en los tiempos de Bacaneria,' Patricia Pepen, Dominican Republic) In the hard-scrabble streets of Santo Domingo, 17-year-old Zuleika drifts through broken romances and a tense bond with her mother, until hitting rock bottom forces her to search for the love she's longed for – within herself. Produced by Mentes Fritas, founded in 2007, with credits that included SXSW Audience awardee 'La Bachata de Bionico.' Project's development trajectory includes participation in Malaga's Warmi Lab, Cartagena's Opera Prima lab, Cannes' Producers Network, etc. Says writer-producer Cristian Mojica: 'It offers an authentic, vibrant Dominican story that resonates deeply with the contemporary pulse of Latin American youth. Set in a Caribbean universe with a feminist DNA and a fresh narrative voice, it blends dembow, the streets and love into a raw and entertaining tale.' 'Diamonds are Forever' ('Diamante, o Bailarina,' Pedro Jorge Cabron, Brazil) Emílio, a young Black gay boxer, trains under his estranged father and enters the ring in drag—fighting for pride, respect, and acceptance. Founded in 2013, Paideia Filmes creates socially engaged content for diverse audiences. Its six award-winning films, including 'Elections' and 'My Body is Political,' have screened at over 100 festivals and streamed on Mubi, Globoplay, and Amazon Prime. Backed by São Paulo's Spcine incentives, it has participated in Ventana Sur, Rio2C and other industry events. 'This is a film about a son searching for his father. What makes it unique is that this journey unfolds between a queer drag performer and a homophobic father, brought together by boxing. Two worlds that clash and learn to coexist,' says Heverton Lima, who attends FICG. 'Casilda,' (Urzula Barba Hopfner, Mexico) CasiIda, a former orchestra pianist and recovering cocaine addict, returns home to Guadalajara after her brother's suicide, confronting family fractures and beginning a journey of self-discovery. Directed and produced by Urzula Barba Hopfner whose 'Corina' won best feature at FICG Made in Jalisco last year and the SXSW Audience Award. Argentine political scientist and producer Emiliano Mansilla has worked with the likes of Guillermo Arriaga, Amat Escalante, Nick Cassavetes and Maria Ripoll. Project has 20% of its budget covered and seeks more co-producing partners. 'Witches of the Island' ('Brujas de la Isla,' Crisfel Jimenez Contreras, Dominican Republic) In the Dominican Republic, witches are more than folklore—they're feared figures said to steal blood and spread evil. This documentary uncovers the truth behind the myth, exploring the island's enduring superstitions, stories, and fears. Co-produced by Flor Blanca, the first indie film company based in Bonao, focusing on socially relevant stories, emerging talent and taboo topics, and Alba Films, based in La Romana, which aims to co-produce bold, auteur-driven films with global appeal. Says Yatnna Montilla, a producer alongside Laura Bennitez: The myth of the witches still exists in the Dominican Republic, especially in the rural areas. Deeply rooted in religious and popular culture, it is very often seen as truth. The line between the reality and the myth becomes blurred, and this confusion continues to harm women, especially those who are isolated and silenced. It could be any of us.' 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Aryna Sabalenka Has New Boyfriend After Ex Partner's Sudden Death
Aryna Sabalenka Has New Boyfriend After Ex Partner's Sudden Death

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Aryna Sabalenka Has New Boyfriend After Ex Partner's Sudden Death

Tennis pro Aryna Sabalenka has a new boyfriend, and they appear to be happy together more than a year after her ex-partner's sudden death. Her new boyfriend is Georgios Frangulis, a Brazilian-raised entrepreneur with a successful açaí business. They are very open about their romance, posting frequently about each other on social media. Advertisement Sabalenka lost to Coco Gauff in the French Open final on June 7. The final was marred by emotional outburst from Sabalenka, who burst into tears from the podium, calling her play "terrible." Sabalenka's ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov died tragically in 2024. However, she appears to have found a happy relationship with Frangulis in the wake of that tragedy. "She's also spoken about how happy she is with her current boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis. The Brazilian owner of brand Oakberry and the tennis star went Instagram official in May of 2024 ... and he's been seen at her matches ever since," according to USA Today. Advertisement In September 2024, Sabalenka posted a photo showing her kissing Frangulis and wrote, "Happy birthday meu amor, I'm so lucky to have you by my side. Your support is priceless 🦖🐒❤️💜❤️" Sabalenka has shared other photos of them together on Instagram, writing in May, "My dinner date." She also posted a photo showing them together in a garden four days before the French Open final. According to AS, Frangulis' family has Greek heritage, and he has lived in the U.S. sine 2014, in Miami and Venice Beach. He was raised in Brazil, the site reported. The tennis pro has explained how important Frangulis was to her as she weathered tragedy. Advertisement Sabalenka told People: 'There was a really tough period where I was really happy to have him by my side, always cheering me up, always making sure that we are doing some fun stuff." Frangulis built a successful business around healthy food. He told Forbes how he "expanded his business to 34 countries in seven years and produced 7,000 tons of açaí sorbet." He was married before, according to that story, which also revealed he previously had thyroid cancer. Frangulis's wife was named Isabella "Beh" Armentano, but it's unclear when they broke up, according to Town and Country. He started out in law school and real estate before seeing a market in açaí. Advertisement "I observed the natural demand for fast food, but also many people looking for healthy food. And I realized the little supply of fast and healthy eating. Something with pattern, with brand, with branding. The acai was beginning to gain traction in California. The cooler juice houses began to offer açaí," he told Forbes in 2023. He has posted about Sabalenka on Instagram. According to People, Koltsov, her ex-boyfriend, died by suicide in March 2024 while in Florida "to support Sabalenka's appearance at the Miami Open," although they were no longer dating at that time. Sky News reported that it's believed he jumped from a hotel balcony. Advertisement They kept their relationship private, People reported, noting that Koltsov was a former ice hockey player. Sabalenka, who said she was heartbroken by her ex-boyfriend's death, indicated later that she wished she had taken a break after he died. 'Looking back I definitely think that I should have just stopped and just separated myself from tennis, just have a little break, recharge and start things over again," she said, according to The Independent. In 2019, Sabalenka also dealt with the death of her dad, who passed away at age 43. Related: Coco Gauff Spoke About Having a Boyfriend: '1st Real Relationship' Related: Jannik Sinner Said Model Lara Leito Isn't His Girlfriend. He's Single Aryna Sabalenka Has New Boyfriend After Ex Partner's Sudden Death first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 7, 2025

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