Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has spoken out for the first time since the death of her former boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov.
Koltsov’s death was ruled an “apparent suicide” after he fell from the balcony of a five-star hotel in Miami.
“Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy, and even though we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” Sabalenka posted on her Instagram story in English and Belarusian. “Please respect my privacy and that of his family during this difficult time.”
Koltsov, a Belarusian former professional hockey player who shares three children with his ex-wife Julija Mikhailova, reportedly joined Sabalenka in the city as she prepared for the Miami Open.
It is unclear when Sabalenka and Koltsov’s relationship ended, but several sources have indicated The telegraph that the couple had separated.
No. 2 tennis star Aryna Sabalenka breaks her silence after the death of her boyfriend
In a statement, she said her “heart is broken” even though she is no longer with Konstantin Koltsov.
Despite her apparent suicide, world number 2 Sabalenka still plans to play the WTA tournament in the Sunshine State this week, Tennis Channel reported Tuesday.
Ahead of her Round of 16 match against her best friend, Spain’s Paula Badosa, on Friday, Sabalenka was seen dressed in black as she worked on her forehand and serve on Wednesday afternoon.
Miami-Dade police have taken control of the investigation into Koltsov’s death. But his ex-wife Mikhailova has given her views on what could have happened to her ex-husband – saying he ‘most likely was drunk’ before his fall and that bottles of alcohol were found in his bedroom on the 23rd floor of the St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort.
‘Most likely he was very drunk,” she said. Zerkalo. “Unfortunately, hockey players are sometimes guilty of this.
“Empty alcohol bottles were found in the room where Konstantin was staying. There was a balcony overlooking the ocean. Konstantin probably did not follow his actions.
‘WWe still have the old family computer with Konstantin’s email. I knew the passwords and was able to open some emails. Konstantin had also booked apartments in a different location. Purchases that have not yet arrived have been paid for. He rented a car for a long time.
“In other words, he had no intention of dying. Of course, anything can come to a head, but there have been no signs of tragedy.
Police have ruled out murder and estimate the investigation will be completed within a month, according to Mikhailova.
Former Belarusian professional hockey player dies aged 42 in ‘apparent suicide’
Miami police say Koltsov died at St Regis Bal Harbor Resort
Koltsov played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and represented Belarus at two Winter Olympics.
Mikhailova said their children Daniel, Alexander and Stefan, aged 18, 16 and five, accepted her death and claimed the couple’s eldest son Daniel was the heir to her estate.
Koltsov played two seasons with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins after being drafted by the team 18th overall in 1999. He finished with 12 goals and 38 points in 144 games played in America.
He also played several games in the Russian Super League and its successor, the Kontinental Hockey League. Across both divisions, Koltsov scored a total of 91 goals and 209 points in 612 games – starting in 1997 and continuing until his retirement in 2015-16.
Koltsov also represented Belarus at the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics, finishing fourth and ninth, respectively.
One of his former teams, Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the KHL, paid tribute to him in a statement saying: “It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Salavat Yulaev coach Konstantin Koltsov is deceased.
“He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues and fans. Konstantin was forever written in the history of our club.
“Koltsov won the Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup with Salavat Yulaev and did an excellent job as part of the team’s technical staff.
“May his memory shine.”
Julija Mikhailova shared her views on the tragic death of her ex-husband
Mikhailova believes Koltsov’s death could have been due to alcohol consumption
Sabalenka and Koltsov were first linked in June 2021 and the two-time Australian Open winner has frequently posted photos of them together on her Instagram account.
“I love you @koltsov2021,” she wrote in a message including a heart and other emojis.
‘Happy Birthday my love. You are my dearest person, my best friend and my greatest support. Peace be with you, strength, patience and health.
“I hope we get everything we planned, I love you.”
For help, call Samaritans on 116123 in the UK or visit www.samaritans.org Or www.thecalmzone.net/get-supportor call Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 in the United States.