- Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend dies in Florida
- Konstantin Koltsov was 42 years old
- His death draws a parallel with the death of his father
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Aryna Sabalenka was hit by another tragedy within five years after the death of her boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, in Florida.
The former Belarusian hockey star played for his national team in the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics, and also spent time in the United States playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL.
Sabalenka is in Florida preparing for the Miami Open and Koltsov is believed to have joined the Australian Open champion ahead of the tournament.
He committed suicide Monday evening after jumping from a hotel balcony in Miami, police confirmed.
“It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the death of Salavat Yulaev coach Konstantin Koltsov,” read the Russian club’s press release.
Konstantin Koltsov, boyfriend of world number two Aryna Sabalenka, dies in Florida
In November 2019, Sabalenka suddenly lost her father Sergey (left), at just 43 years old. Koltsov was a former ice hockey star, like Sergey, and died at the age of 42.
Tuesday’s shocking news bears haunting similarities to a previous tragedy in Sabalenka’s life.
His father, Sergey, was also a former professional hockey star and died at the age of 43 in 2019.
Koltsov, of course, played hockey and died at the age of 42.
Sabalenka has spoken openly about how the passing of her father inspired her to take up tennis.
After winning her second Australian Open title in January, Sabalenka achieved a feat she previously discussed in an episode of the Netflix tennis documentary series Break Point.
“We had a dream: before the age of 25, I will win a few Grand Slam tournaments,” said the 24-year-old.
“Now I’m 24 and there’s nothing in my pocket.”
Australian Open champion Sabalenka is in Florida for the Miami Open
Sabalenka and Koltsov are believed to have dated for three years, having first been linked in June 2021 and the world number two has frequently posted photos of them together on her Instagram account.
“I love you @koltsov2021,” she wrote in a post that included 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.