Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka aims to play in Miami Open despite boyfriend's tragic death

Despite the recent tragic death of her boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, tennis star Aryna Sabalenka is determined to compete in the upcoming Miami Open. Koltsov, a former professional hockey player, tragically passed away in Miami in what authorities have described as an "apparent suicide."

Upcoming Match in Miami Open

At 25 years old, Sabalenka is set to play in the Miami Open as the No. 2 seed. Her next match will be against the winner of Tuesday's game between Simona Halep and Paula Badosa, scheduled to take place on Friday. After receiving a first-round bye in the tournament, Sabalenka's focus remains on her performance despite the heartbreaking circumstances.

Konstantin Koltsov's Sporting Career

Koltsov, who represented Belarus, participated in the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics. Notably, he was drafted as the No. 18 pick in the 1999 NHL Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins and played for the franchise for three seasons before retiring from professional hockey in 2016. Following his retirement, he continued to contribute to the sport as an assistant coach with Salavat Yulaev Ufa in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League.

Support from the Sports Community

The Pittsburgh Penguins expressed their heartfelt condolences, acknowledging Koltsov's contributions as a former player for the team. They extended their sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Past Loss and Achievements of Aryna Sabalenka

Tragedy has struck Sabalenka in the past, with the loss of her father, Sergey, in 2019. Sergey Sabalenka, like Koltsov, was a former hockey player. Despite these personal challenges, Sabalenka's resilience has seen her rise to become the world's No. 2 ranked player. She achieved victories in the Australian Open in both 2023 and 2024, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the sport.