Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka expresses deep sorrow after former boyfriend’s passing: ‘My heart is shattered,’ she reveals | Global Updates

Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has expressed profound sadness following the passing of her former boyfriend.

Konstantin Koltsov, a 42-year-old Belarusian ex-professional ice hockey player, was discovered deceased at a hotel in Miami, Florida, where he had traveled to support Sabalenka in the Miami Open.

Authorities have indicated that the incident appears to be a suicide as there were no signs of foul play.

“Konstantin’s passing is a tragic event, and although we were no longer together, my heart aches,” Sabalenka, aged 25, shared on Instagram.

“I kindly ask for privacy for myself and his family during this challenging time.”

Sabalenka, currently ranked second in the world by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), will proceed with her participation in the Miami Open despite Koltsov’s demise and is scheduled to compete against her close friend Spaniard Paula Badosa on Friday.

Badosa acknowledged the difficulty of playing against Sabalenka, expressing, “She’s my best friend, and I don’t want to see her suffer. This is a very tough situation.”

Ex-wife casts doubt on Koltsov’s death being a suicide

The Miami-Dade authorities confirmed that they responded to a call at a local resort regarding a report of a man falling off a balcony.

However, Koltsov’s ex-wife Yulia Mikhailova has expressed skepticism about the suicide theory, alleging that he was most likely intoxicated at the time of his passing.

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“The room where Konstantin was found had empty alcohol bottles, and there was a balcony overlooking the ocean. It is likely that Konstantin was not in a clear state of mind,” she told Belarusian outlet Zerkalo. “I believe there was a misunderstanding by the media, possibly by misinterpreting the police’s assumption of suicide as a confirmed fact.”

Mikhailova reiterated that Koltsov showed no signs of suicidal tendencies in his behavior and mentioned findings from his email and bookings that suggest he had plans for the future.

Although she admitted the cause of death is uncertain at present, she firmly stated that “his intentions were not to end his life. While one can lose control under the influence, there was no indication of tragedy.”

If you are in need of support for emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, please contact Samaritans at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. Alternatively, letters can be sent to: Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS.