Key Takeaways
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Aryna Sabalenka revealed tennis helped her cope after the death of ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov in 2024
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Koltsov, a former NHL player, died at 42 in Miami by suicide
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Sabalenka continues to honor her late father, Sergey, dedicating major victories to his memory
Coping through tennis
Aryna Sabalenka has spoken candidly about how tennis became her lifeline during one of the darkest periods of her life. Following the death of her former partner Konstantin Koltsov in March 2024, she chose to compete at the Miami Open despite the grief. “Tennis really saved me from depression. I was just trying to focus on training, just so I spend less time with myself in my thoughts,” Sabalenka told TIME.
Koltsov’s influence and support
Koltsov, a former Belarusian hockey star, had been involved with Sabalenka’s team before his passing. Her coach Anton Dubrov recalled his presence. “He was really supportive and really helpful for the team. He was always asking us, ‘What do you think, guys? Should I be at practice? Should I be at the matches?’” Dubrov said, highlighting Koltsov’s commitment to her career.
Returning to competition
Sabalenka admitted that her decision to play in Miami, wearing an all-black outfit, drew criticism at the time. Yet she explained that returning to the court was the only way she could manage her grief. “I don’t know if there’s any cliché about how you’re supposed to grieve. I feel like in this situation, there is no right and wrong. We all need different things. For me, going back to work is the only way,” she said.
Honoring her father’s memory
Koltsov’s death was not the first personal loss Sabalenka endured. Her father, Sergey, died of meningitis in 2019 at the age of 43. Since then, she has dedicated her triumphs to him. “After I lost my father, it’s always been my goal to put our family name in the history of tennis,” Sabalenka previously said. Her victories continue to serve as a tribute to his influence and support.
A journey of resilience
Sabalenka’s openness about grief and recovery underscores her resilience both on and off the court. As world number one, she remains determined to channel personal pain into professional success, inspiring fans with her honesty and strength.
“All he thinks about is giving love, giving cuddles!”
Aryna Sabalenka was upset when Wimbledon didn’t let her bring her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Ash, with her to the court. She shares how much he means to her with TIME. Read the full profile of the most compelling tennis… pic.twitter.com/3mGenODwOh
— TIME (@TIME) August 13, 2026
WTA Cincinnati - Aryna Sabalenka's projected path
Aryna Sabalenka in 2026
At the moment ranked no.1, the Belarussian played her last match on the 8th of August when she capitulated to world no.18 Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6(3) 4-6 6-4 in the 4th round in Toronto (draw).
This season Aryna owns a composed 38-7 match record. Sabalenka has won 3 titles in 2026 in Brisbane, Indian Wells and Miami.
