Intriguing and occasionally controversial, Aryna Sabalenka‘s relationship with Konstantin Koltsov has been under the public lens since their first public appearance two and a half years ago. While the 17-year age gap raised eyebrows initially, the revelation of the tennis star boyfriend’s previous marriage sheds new light on the couple’s connection.
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Sabalenka and Koltsov publicly showcased their affection in June 2021. In her own words, Sabalenka refers to Koltsov as her “dearest person, my best friend, and my strongest support.” Their relationship has positively impacted her tennis career. She won her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 Australian Open and even became the No.1 player since they started dating.
With the Australian Open title defense underway this fortnight and an upcoming semifinal against Coco Gauff, all eyes are once again on the Belarusian and her romantic journey.
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Koltsov’s prior marriage to Julija Mihailova adds a lot of drama to the narrative. The former couple shares three sons, and the controversy escalated when Mihailova publicly tagged Sabalenka in an April 2020 post confirming the breakup, accusing the WTA player of being a homewrecker.
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Announcing the end of their marriage, Mihailova posted a photo capturing her and Koltsov in a passionate beach kiss. Notably, she tagged Sabalenka, stating, “This will be the last photo with him on my Insta where we are together and where we were insanely happy!”
In the same carousel, the ex-wife posted a solo photo with their three children, one of whom was still a toddler at the time and continued, “And an appeal to all the girls who are hanging on other people’s husbands with children in the family! This is mean! This is the most amazing and the happiest time, but at the same time the most difficult, because a small child takes a lot of energy, energy and time… Maybe someday you’ll be there too…”
Just several months before the news about their separation, the ex-wife shared joyous moments on Instagram, expressing anticipation for a happy new year in 2020.
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Konstantin Koltsov was born in April 1981 in Minsk, Belarus. He used to play professional ice hockey. His career includes three seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League, spanning from 2002 to 2006. He was also part of the Belarusian national team at the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics.
Despite being very young, the 25-year-old Sabalenka has encountered her share of romantic ups and downs. Before entering a relationship with Koltsov, in 2019, she was engaged to an undisclosed individual whose identity remains a mystery.
Women really need to stop calling other women homewreckers and blaming them for the breakup of their marriages. Blame your partners instead, they’re the ones who must be held accountable.
Izzy, I’m with you on this, it’s primarily a man’s decision. I don’t think that such a man is a good choice for any woman, but Aryna is still young and her career is thriving, so I guess he’s not a bad influence after all.