Konstantin Koltsov, boyfriend of tennis ace Aryna Sabalenka, has died suddenly while in Miami. Sabalenka was set to compete at the Miami Open this week, before news that her partner Koltsov had passed aged just 42 years old.
Koltsov was a star in his own right, with the ice hockey player having played in the NHL for three seasons during the mid-2000s. On top of that, the Minsk-born icon also represented Belarus at the Winter Olympic Games, featuring in 2002 and 2010.
The heartbreaking news that he’d passed away was confirmed by Russian ice hockey club, Salavat Yulaev: “It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away.
“He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans. Konstantin Evgenievich forever wrote himself into the history of our club.”
The statement continued: “Koltsov won the Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup as part of Salavat Yulaev, and did a great job on the team’s coaching staff. May his memory burn bright.”
Sabalenka and Koltsov had been dating since 2021, as per People magazine, with the former world number one regularly sharing photos of her boyfriend on social media. One post taken from Sabalenka’s Instagram on a previous birthday of Koltsov’s read: “I love you @koltsov2021. Happy birthday my love. You are my dearest person, my best friend and my strongest support.
“Peace be with you, strength, patience and health. I hope we will have everything we planned I love you.”
Koltsov is reported to be leaving three children behind, who he’d had in a previous relationship. While Sabalenka had been in the States prepping for the upcoming Miami Open, which got underway earlier this week.
The Belarussian, who is believed to be a resident of Miami, was due to kick her tournament off this Friday. But Sabalenka has been withdrawn from the practice schedules and any mentions of her participation on official social media accounts have also been taken down.
Sabalenka had entered the competition as the second favourite for victory, having recently triumphed in the Australian Open. That victory in Melbourne was the second Grand Slam title of her career, with Sabalenka having also won the previous Australian Open in 2023.
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