Sabalenka breaks silence on Koltsov’s ‘tragic’ death and reveals they had broken up

ARYNA SABALENKA has spoken out for the first time since the tragic death of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov.

Koltsov died Monday at the age of 42 in what police labeled an “apparent suicide.”

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The former ice hockey star is said to have fallen from the 23rd floor of a hotel in Miami.

Local police have ruled out foul play in Koltsov’s death.

Sabalenka, 25, had been dating Koltsov since the summer of 2021, but has now revealed that they were no longer together at the time of his death.

In a statement on her Instagram Story, World No2 wrote: “Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy and even though we were no longer together, my heart is broken.

“Please respect my privacy and that of his family during this difficult time.”

Sabalenka is in Florida for the Miami Open.

The second seed still plans to play the Masters 1000 tournament and, after receiving a first-round bye, will face close friend Paula Badosa on Friday.

In preparation for the tournament, Sabalenka, dressed in black, practiced on site.

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Koltsov’s ex-wife Julija Mikhailova, with whom he had three children, claims he was “most likely drunk” when he died.

She told a Belarusian outlet Zerkalo: “Most likely he was very drunk. Unfortunately, hockey players are sometimes guilty of this.

“Empty alcohol bottles were found in the room where Konstantin stayed. There was a balcony overlooking the ocean. It is likely that Konstantin did not keep a record of his actions.

“We still have the old family computer with Konstantin’s email. I knew the passwords and managed to open some emails.

“Konstantin had also booked apartments at another location.

“Purchases that have not yet been received have been paid for. He has rented a car for a long time.

“That is, he did not mean to die. Of course, anything can go to your head, but there was no sign of tragedy.”

There is no evidence that Koltsov had been drinking before his death.

Koltsov stayed at the St Regis Bal Harbor Resort in Miami.

He is survived by children Daniel, 18, Alexander, 16, and Stefan, five.

‘IT IS A VERY DIFFICULT SITUATION’

Ahead of her scheduled meeting with Sabalenka, Badosa said: “It is a very difficult situation.

“I spoke to her yesterday. Same thing this morning. I know the whole situation, what’s happening.

“That’s also a bit shocking for me to experience that, because at the end of the day she is my best friend and I don’t want her to suffer. It’s a very difficult situation.”

The 26-year-old Spaniard then added: “It’s also uncomfortable to play against her.

“But I don’t really want to talk about it because I said I’m not going to talk about it.

“She is my best friend and I promised that. She is a strong woman. I think she will get the strength from somewhere. I hope it will be a battle, a good match.”

‘IT IS SO HARD’

After beating Clara Burel, Caroline Wozniacki said: “I can’t even imagine what she’s going through. I’m crying too. It’s such a terrible situation. It’s so hard.”

“I contacted her and told her I was here if she needed anything.

“I love Aryna. She is such a wonderful person. She is always so happy and out there. It’s heartbreaking to see her go through that.

‘Everyone grieves in a different way. She walked by today. I gave her her space.

“I let her know that if she ever needs anything, I’m here for her.”

Sabalenka’s father Sergey, also a former ice hockey player, died in 2019 at the age of 43.

The two-time Grand Slam champion later said: “I’m just trying to fight because my dad wanted me to be number one.

“I do it for him, so that helps me to be strong now.”

Sabalenka successfully defended her Australian Open title in January.

She also became world number 1 for the first time last September after reaching the final of the US Open.

The Minsk-born star last saw action a week ago when she was defeated by American Emma Navarro in the round of 16 of Indian Wells.

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