Were a couple

Ex-NHL pro Koltsov dead: now Sabalenka speaks out

Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka (right) mourns the death of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov.(Bild: GEPA Pictures, APA/AFP/Martin KEEP)

Following the tragic death of former NHL professional Konstantin Koltsov, his ex-partner, tennis superstar Aryna Sabalenka, has now spoken out.

"Konstantin's death is an unimaginable tragedy, and although we were no longer together, my heart is broken," the 25-year-old wrote in an Instagram story. "Please respect my privacy and that of his family at this difficult time."

Jumped from the balcony
Koltsov died earlier this week at the age of just 42. The Belarusian jumped from the balcony of a hotel, according to the Miami police. His death is being treated as an apparent suicide.

Koltsov played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the American professional NHL league from 2002 to 2006. He then played for various Russian clubs and the Belarusian national team. He ended his professional career in 2016 and has been in a relationship with Sabalenka since 2021.

Kick-off in Miami
Despite the death of her ex-partner, the two-time Grand Slam winner will play her first match at the Miami Open on Friday. The number two in the world tennis rankings will face Spain's Paula Badosa.

If you or someone close to you is in an exceptional psychological situation or is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the telephone counselling service on 142. You can find more crisis hotlines and emergency numbers HERE.