Konstantin Koltsov, the partner of Aryna Sabalenka, the second-ranked player in the world of tennis, ‘died of suicide’ on Monday night, according to police, after plunging from a Miami hotel balcony.
The 42-year-old Belarusian, who skated for the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, was declared deceased on Tuesday on the social media platform Telegram by Salavat Yulaev Ufa, his former team.
Before Florida police confirmed that Koltsov had “jumped from a balcony” at a five-star resort, reports in Belarus said the Australian Open winner Sabalenka, 25, had died from a “detached blot clot.” Koltsov had been dating Sabalenka for three years. Miami authorities have taken up the investigation, characterizing it as an “apparent suicide.”
Sabalenka is still reporting playing the Miami Open.
Aryna Sabalenka in 2024
Currently ranked no.2, the Belarussian played her last match on the 13th of March when she surrendered to world no.20 Emma Navarro 6-3 3-6 6-2 in the 4th round in Indian Wells (draw).
This season Sabalenka achieved a 13-3 match record. The Belarussian has won 1 title at the Australian Open. Sabalenka reached the final in Brisbane.