Aryna Sabalenka broke her silence on Wednesday after ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov’s death at the age of 42 earlier this week.
“Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy, and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” Sabalenka posted to her Instagram story in both English and Belarusian. “Please respect my privacy and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Koltsov’s passing has been reported as an “apparent suicide” by the Miami-Dade Police Department.
Sabalenka, a two-time Grand Slam champion who won the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024, was first linked to Koltsov, a former professional hockey player, in June 2021.
The 25-year-old athlete will still compete in this week’s Miami Open but will not make herself available for press, according to The Tennis Channel.
Koltsov’s death was first announced Tuesday by the Russian hockey club Salavat Yulaev.
The Miami-Dade Police Department then addressed developments in a statement to CNN.
“According to investigators on Monday, March 18, 2024, at approximately 12:39 a.m., Bal Harbour Police and Fire Rescue were dispatched to the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, 9703 Collins Avenue, in reference to a male that jumped from a balcony,” the statement read.
“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.”
Members of the tennis community offered their condolences to Sabalenka, including Romanian tennis player Andreea Prisacariu, who wrote on X: “Sending prayers to Aryna Sabalenka and Koltsov’s family. May he rest in peace and may God take care of his soul. During these kind of times, it’s beyond sports, beyond competition. It’s about being human and offer compassion. So let’s all take a moment and pray.”
The 18th overall pick by the Penguins in the 1999 NHL Draft, Koltsov played across three seasons in Pittsburgh from 2002-06.
He tallied 12 goals, 26 assists and 38 points in 144 games played.
Koltsov was a member of the Belarus national team in the 2002 and 2010 Olympics.
He had been working as an assistant coach for Salavat Yulaev, according to Reuters.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
