Aryna Sabalenka will continue to play at the Miami Open after her boyfriend, former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov, died of an apparent suicide on Monday.
According to multiple reports, Tennis Channel said the following on Tuesday’s tournament broadcast: Sabalenka will remain in the lottery.
However, the 25-year-old will not be seen by the media during the tournament.
The couple had been dating for about three years.
According to a Miami-Dade police report, Koltsov jumped from a balcony at the St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort.
Tennis coach and instructor Roman Bolbanov posted a video of Sabalenka practicing at the facility on Monday.
Sabalenka won back-to-back Australian Opens and emerged as one of the best players in women’s tennis. She won 14 titles throughout her career.
Sabalenka, who lost to Coco Gauff in the 2023 U.S. Open final, said after winning her second Australian Open in January, “I’m grateful that I’ve been there consistently and that I can win one more.” I just wanted to show that.”
“So compared to last year, I’m a completely different me. Compared to the U.S. Open, I’m still a different me. I’m more controlled and I try not to let anything else come to mind. ”
The Miami Open began on Monday, with second-seeded Sabalenka receiving a first-round bye.
She will face the winner of the Simona Halep vs. Paula Badosa match scheduled for Tuesday.
It will be Halep’s first match back on the WTA Tour since her suspension for doping in October 2022.
Koltsov’s death was confirmed by Russian hockey club Salavat Yulaev, where Koltsov was until recently an assistant coach.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Salavat Yulaev’s coach Konstantin Koltsov,” the team said in a statement.
“He was a strong and cheerful person, loved and respected by players, colleagues and fans. Konstantin Evgenievich forever etched his name in the history of our club. May he rest in peace. I hope you can sleep in.”
