Aryna Sabalenka has said she is heartbroken following the death of her former partner Konstantin Koltsov in Miami.
Koltsov, 42, a former professional ice hockey player who twice represented Belarus at the Olympics, died in the early hours of Monday morning at the St Regis Bal Harbour Resort, a five-star hotel in Miami Beach. The Miami-Dade Police Department described the death as an “apparent suicide”.
Sabalenka, the world No 2, expressed her grief in a statement, requesting privacy for herself and Koltsov’s family. She also revealed that she was no longer in a relationship with Koltsov at the time of his death.
“Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy, and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” Sabalenka, 25, wrote on social media. “Please respect my privacy and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Sabalenka, who was beaten in the fourth round of Indian Wells by Emma Navarro last week, still intends to compete at the Miami Open, where will begin her title challenge against close friend Paula Badosa on Friday after organisers granted her an extra day to prepare for her first match. Badosa, who battled past the returning Simona Halep on Tuesday, anticipated it would be an “uncomfortable” experience.
“She’s one of my best friends,” said the Spaniard, who is working her way back from a long-term back injury. “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. I hope it’s going to be a battle, a good match.
“Yesterday I spoke with her a lot of time. This morning, the same. So I know what she’s going through. I know the entire situation, what is happening. That for me is a little bit shocking also to go through, because at the end she’s my best friend and I don’t want her to suffer. It’s a very tough situation. At the same point, playing against her, it’s also uncomfortable.”
The death of Koltsov, who played in the National Hockey League for Pittsburgh Penguins between 2002 and 2006, was confirmed in a statement issued by Salavat Yulaev, the Russian Kontinental Hockey League side where he was an assistant coach.
“It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away,” read the statement. “He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans. Konstantin Evgenievich forever wrote himself into the history of our club. May he rest in peace.”