Members of the tennis group are rallying round Belarusian world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka following the demise of her ex-partner, former skilled ice hockey participant Konstantin Koltsov.
Koltsov, who performed 144 video games for the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, died in what the Miami-Dade Police Division is asking an “obvious suicide” with no foul play suspected.
The demise of the 42-year-old Koltsov, additionally from Belarus, occurred simply days earlier than Sabalenka is scheduled to play on the Miami Open.
“Konstantin’s demise is an unthinkable tragedy, and whereas we have been now not collectively, my coronary heart is damaged,” Sabalenka mentioned in a press release on Wednesday. “Please respect my privateness and his household’s privateness throughout this troublesome time.”
Due to her seeding, Sabalenka has a first-round bye within the match. Her opponent within the second spherical might be her shut pal, Spain’s Paula Badosa.
“She’s certainly one of my greatest mates,” Badosa mentioned to reporters on Tuesday after defeating Simona Halep. “Yesterday, I spoke along with her [for] quite a lot of time. This morning the identical. So I do know what she’s going by way of. I do know your entire state of affairs, what is occurring.
“That for me is a bit of bit stunning additionally to undergo that as a result of, on the finish, she’s my greatest pal and I don’t need her to undergo. It’s a really powerful state of affairs. On the identical level, taking part in towards her, it’s additionally uncomfortable.”
Koltsov, who performed three seasons within the NHL and represented Belarus at two Winter Olympics, had been working as a coach with Russian ice hockey staff Salavat Yulaev.
He would journey to tennis tournaments world wide with two-time Australian Open champion Sabalenka. Based on Folks, the pair have been first linked collectively in June 2021.
Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki was additionally requested by reporters about Koltsov’s demise following her victory towards Clara Burel on the Miami Open.
“I can’t even think about what she’s going by way of proper now,” mentioned Wozniacki. “I’m saying that. I’m additionally tearing up. It’s such a horrible state of affairs. It’s so laborious. I reached out to her and I informed her that I used to be right here if she wanted something.
“I really like Aryna. I believe she’s such an important individual. She’s all the time so joyful and on the market. To see her undergo that, it’s heartbreaking. I can’t even think about what she’s going by way of proper now. Everybody grieves differently.
“She was strolling previous right this moment. I used to be giving her her house. I let her know that if she ever wants something, I’m right here, we’re right here for her.”
Editor’s Word: In case you are within the US and also you or a beloved one have contemplated suicide, name the Nationwide Suicide and Disaster Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to attach with a skilled counselor. Exterior the US, a worldwide listing of sources and worldwide hotlines is offered by the Worldwide Affiliation for Suicide Prevention, and you’ll flip to Befrienders Worldwide.
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