Two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka has described the death of her former partner Konstantin Koltsov as an “unthinkable tragedy”.
Koltsov, a former professional ice hockey player from Belarus, died in Miami Beach earlier this week at the age of 42.
“Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy, and even though we are no longer together, my heart is broken,” Sabalenka wrote on Instagram.
“Please respect my privacy and that of his family during this difficult time.”
The Miami-Dade Police Department released a statement Wednesday AEDT, saying first responders were called to the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami Beach the day before.
“No criminal act is suspected,” the statement said.
Sabalenka is in Florida to play in the Miami Open.
The world number two, who won her second consecutive Australian Open in January, is expected to play in Miami.
But it is understood she will not speak to the media during the tournament.
Koltsov played for the Belarusian national team at the 2002 and 2010 Olympics and spent parts of three seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League from 2002 to 2006.
Koltsov was a professional ice hockey player in the NHL and Europe. (Getty Images: Richard Wolowicz)
“He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues and fans,” Salavat Yulaev, a member of the Russian professional ice hockey team, said in a statement.
“Konstantin Evgenievich has forever entered the history of our club. May he rest in peace.”
Sabalenka and Koltsov were first linked in June 2021, according to People magazine, and she has frequently posted photos of them together on her Instagram account.
Renowned for his speed on the ice, Koltsov won the Russian Super League title with Salavat Yulaev in 2008 and more recently returned to the club as an assistant coach.
Sabalenka is set to play her first match at the Miami Open on Saturday AEDT. (Getty Images: Darrian Traynor)
Sabalenka lost in the round of 16 at Indian Wells last week and is set to play her Miami Open opener against Paula Badosa on Saturday AEDT.
Badosa spoke to the media in Miami on Wednesday AEDT, saying it would be difficult to play against her close friend.
“Yesterday I talked a lot with her. This morning, the same,” Badosa said.
“So I know what she’s going through. I know the whole situation.
“It’s a bit shocking for me to go through this because she’s my best friend and I don’t want her to suffer. It’s a very difficult situation.
“At the same time, playing against her is also uncomfortable. But I don’t want to talk about it because I said I wouldn’t talk about it.
“She’s my best friend and I promised her. She’s a strong woman. I think she’ll find her strength somewhere. I hope it’s a battle, a good match.”
