ARYNA Sabalenka, the world’s number two tennis player, said she was “devastated” by the death of her ex-boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, in a statement on Wednesday. He revealed they were no longer together at the time Koltsov died.
“Konstantin’s grief is an unimaginable tragedy, even though we are no longer together, my heart is broken. Please respect my privacy and that of his family during this difficult time,” Sabalenka said in a statement released by her agent.
Koltsov died Monday after reportedly jumping from the balcony of a room at a Miami resort in a “suspected suicide.” He is a 42-year-old former NHL ice hockey player and coach.
The relationship between Koltsov and Sabalenka lasted for more than three years according to media reports.
Sabalenka, 25, a two-time Grand Slam winner, is scheduled to play in the second round of the Miami Open on Friday against Spain’s Paula Badosa.
Badosa is a close friend of Sabalenka and said the match would be “uncomfortable”.
Players at the WTA have expressed their support for Sabalenka, who on Tuesday was seen practicing off court and has given no indication of pulling out of the tournament.
Koltsov had three children with his ex-wife, Julia, before they divorced in 2020 before Koltsov began his relationship with Sabalenka. (AFP/Z-3)
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