- Koltsov died last month in an “apparent suicide” after falling from a balcony
- Sabalenka played the Miami Open despite the death of her ex-boyfriend
- The Australian Open champion thanked the fans for their support
Aryna Sabalenka has thanked her fans for “the outpouring of love and support” following the tragic death of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov last month.
Koltsov’s death has been ruled an “apparent suicide” after falling from the balcony of a five-star hotel in Miami.
The 42 year old manwho shared three children with ex-wife Julija Mikhailova, was initially believed to have joined his girlfriend in the city as she prepared for the Miami Open.
Sabalenka later revealed that their relationship had already come to an end as she commented on the “unthinkable tragedy” of his death.
The Australian Open champion beat her best friend Paula Badosa in straight sets at the Miami Open amid tragedy, but lost to Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina in the next round.
Aryna Sabalenka sent a message to her fans after the death of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov
Sabalenka thanked fans for “the huge amount of love” that is helping her through a “difficult time.”
Koltsov (pictured) died aged 42 last month after falling from a hotel balcony in Miami.
The world No. 2 opted not to take part in the tournament’s press conferences following Koltsov’s death, with a message on social media saying she was “heartbroken” even though they were no longer a couple.
Sabalenka broke her silence a fortnight later when the Belarusian star thanked fans for their support, which she said was helping her through a “difficult time”.
“I want to take a moment to thank all my fans for their outpouring of love and support during this difficult time,” Sabalenka wrote.
‘Your kind words mean a lot and I carry them with me every day.
“I am very grateful for all of you.”
Sabalenka is currently expected to return to the Stuttgart Open on April 15, with the star among those registered for the indoor event to begin her clay court season.
She will then compete in the WTA 1000 events in Madrid and Rome in preparation for the French Open at the end of May.
Koltsov and Sabalenka were first linked in June 2021 and the two-time Australian Open winner frequently posted photos of them together on her Instagram account.
Sabalenka played the Miami Open despite the tragedy but lost her third round match
The world No. 2 is expected to return to action at the Stuttgart Open later this month.
Koltsov played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and represented Belarus in two Winter Olympics.
Miami police say former Belarusian professional hockey player died after falling at St Regis Bal Harbor Resort
Koltsov is believed to have three children from his previous relationship with his ex-wife Julija, named Daniel, Alexander and Stefan.
Mikhailova told media in Belarus that she was “most likely drunk” when she fell from the hotel balcony.
The Miami-Dade Police Department took over the investigation into the alleged suicide, but in an interview with media in her native Belarus, Mikhailova gave her opinion on what may have happened.
She has claimed that her ex-husband was “most likely drunk” before the fatal fall, and although she says bottles of alcohol were found in their hotel room, officers were unable to locate a suicide note. She also says that her recent behavior indicated, in her opinion, that she was not preparing to take her own life.
Bal Harbor police and firefighters were dispatched to the St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort in reference to a man who fell from a balcony at 12:39 a.m., according to investigators.
Sabalenka revealed last month that their relationship had already come to an end, saying her “heart is broken” following the “unthinkable tragedy.”
The former Belarusian professional hockey player died at the age of 42 in an “apparent suicide”
The two-time Australian Open winner frequently posted photos of them together online.
The tragedy occurred shortly after Sabalenka lost her father in similarly disturbing circumstances.
The player’s late father, Sergey, who was also a professional ice hockey player, died suddenly in 2019 at the age of just 43.
Kolstov spent parts of three seasons in Pittsburgh between 2002 and 2006 after being selected by the Penguins with the 18th overall pick in the 1999 NHL Draft.
For help, call Samaritans on 116123 in the UK or visit www.samaritans.org either www.thecalmzone.net/get-supportor call Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 in the US.
