Aryna Sabalenka: My coronary heart is damaged after demise of former boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov in Miami | Tennis Information

Aryna Sabalenka says her “coronary heart is damaged” following the demise of her former
boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov.

Former ice hockey participant Koltsov, who performed within the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins, died in Miami aged 42 on Monday in what police described as an “obvious suicide”.

Sabalenka, who’s scheduled to take part on this week’s Miami Open, clarified in an Instagram story on Wednesday that she and Koltsov have been not a pair earlier than his demise.

“Konstantin’s demise is an unthinkable tragedy, and whereas we have been not collectively, my coronary heart is damaged,” Sabalenka wrote. “Please respect my privateness and his household’s privateness throughout this tough time.”

Sabalenka was pictured practising in Miami forward of her first outing in opposition to greatest buddy Paula Badosa, who admitted dealing with the Belarusian will likely be “uncomfortable”.

Badosa mentioned of Sabalenka: “Yesterday I spoke together with her quite a lot of time. This morning the identical. So I do know what she’s going via. I do know all the scenario, what is going on.

“That for me is somewhat bit surprising additionally to undergo that as a result of on the finish she’s my greatest buddy and I do not need her to undergo. It is a very robust scenario.

“On the identical level, taking part in in opposition to her, it is also uncomfortable. However I do not actually need to discuss it as a result of I mentioned I am not going to speak about it. She’s my greatest buddy and I promised that.

“She’s a robust girl. I feel she’s going to get the facility from someplace. I hope it’ll be a battle, match.”

Caroline Wozniacki turned emotional speaking in regards to the scenario throughout her press convention, with the Dane saying: “I can not even think about what she’s going via proper now.

“I am additionally tearing up. It is such a horrible scenario. It is so arduous. I reached out to her and I informed her that I used to be right here if she wanted something.

“I really like Aryna. I feel she’s such an awesome particular person. She’s at all times so pleased and on the market. To see her undergo that, it is heartbreaking.

“Everybody grieves another way. She was strolling previous as we speak. I used to be giving her her house. I let her know that if she ever wants something, I am right here, we’re right here for her.”

Koltsov had been a daily presence supporting Sabalenka at tournaments. The information was introduced by Russia ice hockey workforce Salavat Yulaev Ufa, the place Koltsov had been assistant coach.

An announcement on the membership’s web site learn: “It’s with deep sorrow that we inform you that Salavat Yulaev coach Konstantin Koltsov has handed away. He was a robust and cheerful particular person, he was beloved and revered by gamers, colleagues, and followers.

“Konstantin Evgenievich ceaselessly wrote himself into the historical past of our membership. Koltsov gained the Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup as a part of Salavat Yulaev and did an awesome job on the workforce’s teaching workers.

“The hockey membership Salavat Yulaev expresses its condolences to the household and mates of Konstantin Evgenievich Koltsov.”

It’s the second tragedy to hit 25-year-old Sabalenka, whose father Sergey, additionally a former ice hockey participant, died in 2019 on the age of 43.

If you’re affected by these points or need to discuss, please contact the Samaritans on the free helpline 116 123, or go to the web site www.samaritans.org