As of: March 23, 2024, 5:04 a.m
By: Korbinian Kothny
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Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka mourns the loss of her ex-boyfriend.
Nevertheless, the Belarusian is back on the court just a few days after the shock.
Update from March 21st, 8:26 a.m.:
Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka reacted with deep sadness to the death of her former boyfriend Konstantin Koltsow.
It was an “unbelievable tragedy, and even though we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” she said in a statement that Sabalenka had published on Wednesday (local time).
The 25-year-old also asked that her privacy and that of her family be respected “during this difficult time.”
Koltsow, a former NHL ice hockey player, died on Monday at the age of 42, the American news agency AP reported with reference to the Miami police.
Like Australian Open winner Sabalenka, Koltsow came from Belarus.
The world number two initially had a bye at the WTA Masters in Miami.
A tournament spokesman confirmed that Sabalenka wanted to play in the next round against Paula Badosa from Spain on Friday (local time).
Drama about tennis superstar: Aryna Sabalenka loses her boyfriend (42)
First report from March 19th:
Miami – stroke of fate for Aryna Sabalenka.
The current number two in the tennis world rankings is mourning the loss of her friend.
Former ice hockey professional Konstantin Koltsow has died at the age of 42.
The Belarusian Ice Hockey Association announced this on Tuesday (March 19).
Koltsow played in the NHL from 2002 to 2006
Koltsov “suddenly died,” the statement said, but no details about the circumstances were given.
“We mourn,” said the association’s website: “The Belarusian Ice Hockey Association expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends and everyone who knew and worked with Konstantin.”
Koltsow played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL from 2002 to 2006.
There was initially no reaction from world number two Sabalenka, who is scheduled to play at the Miami Open this week.
The 25-year-old won the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024.
Aryna Sabalenka mourns the loss of her boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov.
© IMAGO / JOEL CARRETT / Instagram @sabalenka_aryna
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Koltsow and Sabalenka have officially been a couple since 2021
Koltsov took part in ten World Championships and the Olympic Games in 2002 and 2010 with the Belarusian national team.
He ended his career in 2016 and has worked as a trainer since then.
He was most recently active at Russian club Salavat Yulaev.
The club reacted with corresponding shock.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that Salavat Yulaev’s coach, Konstantin Koltsov, has died.
He was a strong and cheerful person who was loved and respected by players, colleagues and fans.
Rest in peace."
Sabalenka and Koltsow have officially been a couple since 2021.
It is not the first stroke of fate for the tennis player in recent years.
In 2019, the Belarusian had to accept the death of her father when she was just 19 years old.
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