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UPDATED: World No.2 tennis superstar Aryna Sabalenka has paid tribute to her former partner after his shock death on Tuesday.
Police in Miami believe 42-year-old ice hockey player and coach Konstantin Koltsov died of “apparent suicide” and that “no foul play is suspected”.
Koltsov was in Miami, and was thought to be with Sabalenka – the two-time reigning Australian Open champion who owns a residence in the American city. However the star Belarusian tennis player revealed in an Instagram post that the relationship had ended before Koltsov’s death.
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Sabalenka was spotted training ahead of the Miami Open just hours after news of his death broke.
“Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy,” she posted on Instagram on Thursday morning.
“And while we were no longer together, my heart is broken.
“Please respect my privacy and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
On Wednesday morning (AEDT) Sabalenka was spotted on the court hitting with her team as she prepares for the Miami Open.
She is scheduled to take on close friend Paula Badosa on Saturday.
It’s reported she will play the Miami Open but will not be doing media interviews during the tournament.
Fellow WTA star Caroline Wozniacki offered her support to Sabalenka.
“I can’t even imagine what she’s going through right now,” Wozniacki said.
“I’m also tearing up. It’s such a terrible situation. It’s so hard.
“I reached out to her and I told her that I was here if she needed anything.
“I love Aryna. I think she’s such a great person. She’s always so happy… To see her go through that, it’s heartbreaking.
“Everyone grieves in a different way. She was walking past today. I was giving her her space. I let her know that if she ever needs anything, I’m here, we’re here for her.”
Koltsov was part of the Belarus national team at the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics.
Russian club Salavat Yulaev announced the news on Tuesday.
“It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away,” Russian club Salavat Yulaev said.
“He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans. Konstantin Evgenievich forever wrote himself into the history of our club.
“May he rest in peace.”
The 42-year-old also spent time playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League, between 2002 and 2006.
In 2008, he won the Russian Super League title with his local club Salavat Yulaev, where he later returned as a coach.
Sabalenka and Koltsov first got together in 2021.
The 2024 Australian Open champion was defeated in the round of 16 at Indian Wells last week.
The 25-year-old is scheduled to play her opening match at the Miami Open on Friday.
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