Aryna Sabalenka said she was “heartbroken” by the death of Konstantin Koltsov on Wednesday, asking for respect for her privacy and that of the family of the former Belarusian hockey player with whom she was in a relationship.
Koltsov died at the age of 42 on Monday in Miami, a few days before Sabalenka began her career at the Miami tennis tournament. Miami-Dade police said it appeared to be a suicide and no foul play was suspected.
“Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy, and even though we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” Sabalenka said in a statement released Wednesday by her publicist. Please respect my privacy and that of his family during this difficult time. »
The 25-year-old, also Belarusian, benefited from a bye in the first round. She is expected to play against her good friend Paula Badosa on Friday, according to a tournament official.
Koltsov played 144 games in the National Hockey League for the Pittsburgh Penguins between 2003 and 2006. Selected in the first round in 1999, he totaled 12 goals and 38 points.
2024-03-21 00:30:00
#Tennis #Aryna #Sabalenka #mourning #exspouse
