Still in shock from her boyfriend’s sudden death, alleged suicide, Aryna Sabalenka made the decision to play the Miami Open, but without giving interviews to the media at the tournament.
The tennis and hockey communities were stunned by the sudden passing of Sabalenka’s long-term boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov. Initial reports suggested that his death was due to a blood clot, but it has since been revealed that the former hockey player took his own life by jumping from a hotel in Miami on Monday, March 18.
Koltsov, aged 42, had been a constant presence at his girlfriend’s tennis tournaments worldwide, with their latest stop being the Miami Open. CNN reported, “The Miami-Dade Police Department, Homicide Bureau, responded and has taken over the investigation of the apparent suicide of Mr. Konstantin Koltsov … No foul play is suspected.”
Despite initial speculation that Sabalenka might withdraw from the Miami Open following this tragic event, she has chosen to participate. However, she has decided to forgo media interviews during the tournament to protect her emotional well-being.
Aryna Sabalenka training in Miami.
If anyone feels the need to judge her for playing, please stop.
The grieving process is so much more complex than whatever your opinion is.
She deserves kindness in her healing journey 🙏❤️
(via @BartekIgnacik) pic.twitter.com/nLm8RdCNvU
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 19, 2024
The Belarusian tennis player is seeded No.2 at the WTA 1000 event. Her first opponent will be the winner of a first-round blockbuster between Paula Badosa and Simona Halep, who will be playing her first tournament since returning from the doping ban. Wearing all black, Sabalenka was spotted training in Miami on Tuesday.
IMPORTANT UPDATES: The latest development comes from Koltsov’s ex-wife Julija Mihailova who claims that he must have been very drunk and accidentally fallen from the 23rd floor of the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami. Two days after Koltsov’s passing Sabalenka made a shocking revelation that he was actually her ex-boyfriend at the time of the tragedy.
