Aryna Sabalenka expressed deep sorrow, stating her “heart is broken” following the passing of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov.
Koltsov, a former NHL participant for the Pittsburgh Penguins, tragically died in Miami on the age of 42 in what authorities have described as an “apparent suicide.”
Sabalenka, who is about to compete within the Miami Open this week, clarified on Wednesday through an Instagram story that she and Koltsov had ended their relationship earlier than his passing.
“Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” Sabalenka wrote. “Please respect my privacy and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Sabalenka was pictured training in Miami forward of her first outing in opposition to greatest pal Paula Badosa, who admitted going through the Belarusian might be “uncomfortable.”
Badosa stated of Sabalenka: “Yesterday, I spoke together with her for a very long time. This morning, the identical. So I do know what she’s going by means of. I do know your complete state of affairs and what’s taking place.
“It’s a bit of bit surprising for me to undergo that as a result of, in the long run, she’s my greatest pal, and I do not need her to undergo. It’s a really robust state of affairs.
“At the identical level, enjoying in opposition to her can be uncomfortable. But I do not actually wish to discuss it as a result of I stated I’m not going to. She’s my greatest pal, and I promised that.
“She’s a strong woman. I think she will get the power from somewhere. I hope it’s going to be a battle, a good match.”
Caroline Wozniacki grew to become emotional speaking in regards to the state of affairs throughout her press convention, with the Dane saying: “I am unable to even think about what she’s going by means of proper now.
“I’m additionally tearing up. It’s such a horrible state of affairs. It’s so onerous. I reached out to her and informed her 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 comfortable and on the market. To see her undergo that, it is heartbreaking.
“Everyone grieves in a different way. She was walking past today. I was giving her her space. I told her that if she ever needs anything, I’m here, we’re here for her.”
Koltsov had been an everyday presence, supporting Sabalenka at tournaments. The news was introduced by the Russian ice hockey crew Salavat Yulaev Ufa, the place Koltsov had been an assistant coach.
An announcement on the membership’s web site learn: “It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that Salavat Yulaev coach Konstantin Koltsov has handed away. He was a powerful and cheerful particular person, liked and revered by gamers, colleagues, and followers.
“Konstantin Evgenievich eternally wrote himself into the historical past of our membership. Koltsov received the Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup as a part of Salavat Yulaev and did an awesome job on the crew’s teaching workers.
“The hockey club Salavat Yulaev expresses its condolences to the family and friends of Konstantin Evgenievich Koltsov.”
It is 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.
Source: www.dailysabah.com