Aryna Sabalenka has said that her “heart is broken” and she has asked for privacy following the tragic death of her former partner, Konstantin Koltsov, who died on Monday in Miami.
“Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy, and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken. Please respect my privacy and his family’s privacy during this difficult time,” Sabalenka posted on Wednesday on social media.
Sabalenka will compete at the Miami Open, where she will face Paula Badosa, her best friend, in the second round. Although the match was supposed to be played on Thursday, the tournament have allowed it to be pushed back to Friday. Badosa said it will be “uncomfortable” facing Sabalenka after the death of Koltsov. Sabalenka returned to training a day after the 42-year-old former ice hockey player died in Miami in what police described as an “apparent suicide”.
Badosa, who defeated Simona Halep in the first round on the Romanian’s return from a doping ban, said of Sabalenka: “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. That for me is a little bit shocking to go through that because 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. But I don’t really want to talk about it because I said I’m not going to talk about it. She’s my best friend and I promised that. 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.”
Caroline Wozniacki became emotional talking about the situation, saying: “I can’t even imagine what she’s going through. 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. She’s such a great person. She’s always so happy and out there. To see her go through that, it’s heartbreaking. 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.”
Koltsov, who played in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins, had been a regular presence supporting Sabalenka at tournaments. The news was announced by the Russia ice hockey team Salavat Yulaev Ufa, where Koltsov had been assistant coach. Sabalenka’s father, Sergey, also a former ice hockey player, died in 2019 at the age of 43.
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org