Aryna Sabalenka points assertion after dying of former companion Konstantin Koltsov

Two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka has described the dying of her former companion Konstantin Koltsov as an “unthinkable tragedy”.

Koltsov, a former skilled ice hockey participant from Belarus, died in Miami Seashore earlier this week, aged 42.

“Konstantin’s dying is an unthinkable tragedy, and whereas we had been now not collectively, my is coronary heart is damaged,” Sabalenka wrote on Instagram.

“Please respect my privateness and his household’s privateness throughout this troublesome time.”

The Miami-Dade Police Division issued an announcement on Wednesday AEDT, saying first responders had been referred to as to the St Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami Seashore the day before today.

“No foul play is suspected,” the assertion learn.

Sabalenka is in Florida to contest the Miami Open.

The world quantity two, who received her second consecutive Australian Open in January, is predicted to play in Miami.

However it’s understood she is not going to converse to the media throughout the event.

Koltsov performed for the Belarus nationwide staff within the 2002 and 2010 Olympics and spent elements of three seasons with the Nationwide Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins from 2002 to 2006.

“He was a powerful and cheerful particular person, he was cherished and revered by gamers, colleagues, and followers,” Russian skilled ice hockey staff Salavat Yulaev stated in an announcement.

“Konstantin Evgenievich endlessly wrote himself into the historical past of our membership. Might he relaxation in peace.”

Sabalenka and Koltsov had been first linked in June 2021, in response to Folks journal, and she or he regularly posted pictures of them collectively on her Instagram account.

Famend for his velocity on the ice, Koltsov received the Russian Tremendous League title with Salavat Yulaev in 2008 and extra not too long ago returned to the membership as an assistant coach.

Sabalenka misplaced within the final 16 at Indian Wells final week and is scheduled to play her first match on the Miami Open in opposition to Paula Badosa on Saturday AEDT.

Badosa spoke to the media in Miami on Wednesday AEDT, saying it could be troublesome taking part in her shut pal.

“Yesterday I spoke along with her numerous time. This morning the identical,” Badosa stated.

“So, I do know what she’s going by. I do know all the state of affairs.

“That for me is a bit bit stunning to undergo that as a result of she’s my greatest pal and I do not need her to undergo. It is a very powerful state of affairs.

“On the identical level, taking part in in opposition to her, it is also uncomfortable. However I do not wish to speak about it as a result of I stated I am not going to speak about it.

“She’s my greatest pal and I promised that. She’s a powerful lady. I feel she is going to get the facility from someplace. I hope it’ll be a battle, a great match.”