According to the most recent reports, Aryna Sabalenka’s partner and former ice hockey star, Konstantin Koltsov, tragically passed away at the age of just 42. Aryna lost her father tragically and abruptly when he was just 43 in 2019.
Koltsov was a Belarusian hockey player who spent eighteen years playing professionally. In addition to representing Belarus in the Winter Olympics in 2002 and 2010, he spent three seasons as a player with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 2002 to 2006.
In 2016, Koltsov announced the end of his professional career and began coaching a variety of clubs. Most recently, from 2022 to 2024, he served as Salavat Yulaev Ufa’s assistant coach in the Continental Hockey League (KHL).
Aryna Sabalenka and Konstantin Koltsov became public with their love in June 2021, while it is unclear when they first started dating. The couple often gave fans a glimpse into their relationship on social media, gushing over one another without holding back.
Sabalenka is presently in Miami for the Miami Open, where she is seeded second in the WTA 1000 competition. According to reports, Koltsov went to the seaside city with her to support her during her campaign.
Sadly, it was revealed by Russian and Belarusian media outlets that Koltsov had died in Miami, Florida, and that his cause of death was still unknown.
The KHL squad Koltsov coached, Salavat Yulaev, issued a statement on Telegram that appeared to confirm the tragic news and honored the Belarusian’s “strong and cheerful” nature. They also sent his friends and family their sincere sympathies.
This was he statement:
“It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that Salavat Yulaev coach Konstantin Koltsov has passed away. He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans. Konstantin Evgenievich forever wrote himself into the history of our club,” the club posted (Translated from Russian). Koltsov won the Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup as part of Salavat Yulaev and did a great job on the team’s coaching staff. The hockey club “Salavat Yulaev” expresses its condolences to the family and friends of Konstantin Evgenievich Koltsov. Bright memory…”
Aryna Sabalenka in 2024
Ranked no.2, Aryna played her last match on the 13th of March when she lost to world no.20 Emma Navarro 6-3 3-6 6-2 in the 4th round in Indian Wells (draw).
Currently, during this year the Belarussian has achieved an overall 13-3 record. The Belarussian conquered 1 title at the Australian Open. Sabalenka was the finalist in Brisbane.
