The tennis community is offering support to Aryna Sabalenka, the Belarusian world No. 2, following the passing of her partner, former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov. Members of the tennis community are rallying around Belarusian world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka following the death of her partner, former professional ice hockey player Konstantin Koltsov.
Well, Konstantin Koltsov, known for his tenure with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, passed away, confirmed by the Miami-Dade Police Department as an “apparent suicide,” ruling out foul play.
Koltsov, who played 144 games for the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, died in what the Miami-Dade Police Department is calling an “apparent suicide” with no foul play suspected.
The 42-year-old Koltsov, also hailing from Belarus, tragically passed just days ahead of Sabalenka’s scheduled appearance at the Miami Open.
“She’s one of my best friends,” Badosa said to reporters on Tuesday after defeating Simona Halep. “Yesterday, I spoke with her [for] 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 that 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.”
Koltsov, a former NHL player who competed in three seasons and represented Belarus at two Winter Olympics, was also actively involved as a coach with the Russian ice hockey team Salavat Yulaev.
Koltsov, who played three seasons in the NHL and represented Belarus at two Winter Olympics, had been working as a coach with Russian ice hockey team Salavat Yulaev.
He frequently accompanied two-time Australian Open champion Sabalenka to tennis events globally. Their relationship, as reported, began in June 2021. He regularly traveled to tennis tournaments around the world with two-time Australian Open champion Sabalenka. According to a source, the pair had been linked together since June 2021.
Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki was also asked by reporters about Koltsov’s death following her victory against Clara Burel at the Miami Open.
“I can’t even imagine what she’s going through right now,” said Wozniacki. “I’m saying that. I’m also tearing up. It’s such a terrible situation. It’s so hard. I reached out to her and I told her that I was here if she needed anything.
“I love Aryna. I think she’s such a great person. She’s always so happy and out there. To see her go through that, it’s heartbreaking. I can’t even imagine what she’s going through right now. Everyone grieves in a different way.
“She was walking past today. I was giving her her space. I let her know that if she ever needs anything, I’m here, we’re here for her.”