According to the American police, Konstantin Koltsov, the 42-year-old ex-partner of tennis star Aryna Sabalenka (25), took his own life on Monday. Yet Sabalenka, the number two in the world, has not yet canceled for the Miami Open.
Media from Belarus – the homeland of both Konstantin Koltsov and the Sabalenka family – initially claimed that Koltsov died from a blood clot, but an American police report states that he took his own life. No foul play is suspected, it was said. Malicious intent is therefore not suspected. The scene of the tragedy is the St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort, a five-star ocean-view hotel in Miami.
Koltsov was a former ice hockey professional who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the North American NHL for three years and who attended two Olympic editions as a member of the Belarusian national team. Since 2021, he has been in a relationship with 25-year-old Sabalenka and since then he has often accompanied her at tournaments. This also applies to Miami, where the couple stayed together because Sabalenka is participating in an important WTA tournament this week. According to the organizers, the two-time Grand Slam champion would not withdraw from the Miami Open despite the drama. On Tuesday she was spotted on the training field – dressed completely in black.
Koltsov in action with the Belarus national team. — © AFP
“Constantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy. Although we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” Sabalenka said in a statement on Instagram. “Please respect my privacy and that of his family during this difficult time.”
Sabalenka’s first opponent Friday in Miami should be Paula Badosa. “I am in shock,” said the Spaniard. “She is my best friend and I don’t want to see her suffer. Playing against Aryna will be very difficult.”
Caroline Wozniacki, the former world number 1, called the situation heartbreaking. “I can’t even imagine what she must be going through. I had tears in my eyes. Aryna is a wonderful person. She knows I am ready to help.” Jessica Pegula (WTA 5) also spoke out in this regard. “What terrible news. Everyone grieves in their own way. All you can do is provide support.”
Dead father
It is not the first trial that has affected Elise Mertens’ former doubles partner. Five years ago, Sabalenka lost her father Sergej, who died unexpectedly at the age of 43 from meningitis. In the Netflix documentary Break Point, among other things, she testified about their close bond. “We shared the same dream: that I would win a few Grand Slams before I was 25. Now I am 24 years old and my pockets are still empty.” Only afterwards would she break the spell. In the meantime, the Belarusian has two final victories at the Australian Open (2023 and 2024), although her father was no longer able to experience those triumphs.
When she started another tournament two months after that family tragedy, the then 21-year-old athlete emphasized the influence of her father. “I try to fight because he wanted to see me as number 1. I do it for him. I try to stay strong for him.”
Even in 2024, she often refers to him during interviews or speeches. When Sabalenka extended her title in Melbourne two months ago, her father received another mention. “He still looks at me and I know he is proud.” She hopes to be a beacon of hope with her testimony, she explained last year. “My story can hopefully motivate people and help them get out of difficult situations. It’s hard to lose a loved one, especially a father, but you have to find the motivation to move on.”
Anyone with questions about suicide can contact the suicide line on 1813 or visit www.zelficide1813.be.
