It has been an emotional last 48 hours for defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka after news broke of the death of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov. The former ice hockey player was found dead on Monday and the Miami-Dade Police Department later said it was treating it as a case of apparent suicide with the athlete having jumped from a balcony at The St. Regis Bal Harbour. The incident has left Sabalenka “heartbroken” who is currently in Miami for the upcoming WTA 1000 event.
Sabalenka left heartbroken
“Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy, and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” Sabalenka said in a statement through her publicists. “Please respect my privacy and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
“I love you @koltsov2021,” Sabalenka had earlier written in one post that included a heart and other emojis.
The unfortunate suicide incident of Koltsov took place on Monday (Mar 18) with Sabalenka gearing up for the Miami Open. While she is heartbroken, the incident has not stopped the two-time Australian Open champion from competing in the WTA 1000 tournament. She was reported to have taken practice sessions on Tuesday. To mourn the death of Koltsov, she was spotted wearing all-black gear.
Sabalenka and Koltsov began dating in 2021 and had not publicly revealed they had broken up. Koltsov, 42, had three children from a previous relationship.
It is reported by the organisers that Sabalenka has not asked to withdraw and will compete in the Miami Open. The Belarusian is one of the favourites to win the Miami Open and will open her campaign against close friend Paula Badosa on Friday (Mar 22) in the second round after receiving a first-round bye.
“She’s one of my best friends,” Badosa said Tuesday of Sabalenka. “Of course, I know what she’s going through. Honestly, for me it hasn’t been easy, too. I really don’t know what to say, honestly. She’s a strong woman. I think she will get the power from somewhere.”
The organisers have also confirmed that Sabalenka won’t be speaking to the media post-match or pre-match.