Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has had an “intense” month since her ex-boyfriend, former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov, passed away on March 18th.
The world No. 2 player opened up about the sudden death of former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov, and the two dated for nearly three years before Konstantin Koltsov’s death. reported suicide March.
Sabalenka spoke to the media after losing a tiebreak to Iga Swiatek 5-7, 6-4, 6-7 (7-9) in the Madrid Open final on Saturday.
“The last month has been intense for me in some ways, so I feel like I haven’t been on stage for a long time. I don’t even have words right now,” Sabalenka said.
She then thanked her team for their encouragement.
“I really appreciate my amazing team. I’m sure I have the best team. You help me a lot and always push me forward. Thank you so much and I I love you.”
Sabalenka decided to continue playing in this year’s Miami Open, which began just days after Koltsov’s death. She did not appear to the media during the tournament.
Sabalenka said she was no longer with Koltsov at the time of his death and called Koltsov’s death an “unthinkable tragedy” in a statement on March 20.
The Belarusian won her second consecutive Australian Open title earlier this year and reached at least the semi-finals at all four major tournaments last season.
The 26-year-old also reached the US Open final in 2023.
Koltsov, who was 42 at the time of his death, played professional hockey from 1997 to 2016, including a stint in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2002 to 2006.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or visit the following link: SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
