Less than twenty-four hours had passed since her boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov passed away on Monday when Aryna Sabalenka was seen on the court in Miami. Koltsov, who had been dating Sabalenka for around three years, had twice represented Belarus in the Winter Olympics as a professional ice hockey player.
Tuesday’s video from Canal+ featured Sabalenka training out on the Miami Open practice courts. The Miami Open is scheduled to begin later this week. She is scheduled to start her campaign on Friday against Paula Badosa or Simona Halep, who will compete against one another in the first round.
When Koltsov passed away on Monday, he was in Miami, and the local police confirmed that he committed an “apparent suicide” by jumping off a hotel balcony. When Sabalenka last mentioned him on Instagram in April, it was to wish him a happy birthday and refer to him as her “strongest supporter and best friend.”
Aryna Sabalenka training in Miami.
If anyone feels the need to judge her for playing, please stop.
The grieving process is so much more complex than whatever your opinion is.
She deserves kindness in her healing journey 🙏❤️
(via @BartekIgnacik) pic.twitter.com/nLm8RdCNvU
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 19, 2024
Aryna Sabalenka in 2024
Currently the world no.2, Aryna played her last match on the 13th of March when she was overcome by world no.20 Emma Navarro 6-3 3-6 6-2 in the 4th round in Indian Wells (draw).
At present, during this year Sabalenka has managed to achieve a compiled 13-3 match record. Aryna conquered 1 title at the Australian Open. The Belarussian reached the final in Brisbane.