After death of ex-boyfriend

Emotionally troubled Sabalenka fails in Miami

Aryna Sabalenka fails in Miami.(Bild: AP)

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev, the top three seeds in the men's draw, started the Masters 1000 tennis tournament in Miami on Saturday (local time) with two-set victories and are through to round three. Top seed Iga Swiatek, among others, achieved the same in the women's tournament. However, second seed Aryna Sabalenka received more attention. She lost 4-6, 6-1, 1-6 to Ukraine's Anhelina Kalinina (No. 32) in round three in her second appearance since the suicide of her ex-boyfriend. 

After fighting her way to a victory over Spain's Paula Badosa in round two, the tank was largely empty physically, mentally and emotionally in the night session against Kalinina.

Konstantin Koltsov, an ex-NHL player, died on Monday at the age of 42. Like Australian Open winner Sabalenka, Koltsov was from Belarus. The police are assuming suicide.

No handshake
After Kalinina's match point, Sabalenka smashed her racquet - an emotional outburst probably due to her situation. However, she also refused to shake hands with Kalinina.

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 other crisis hotlines and emergency numbers HERE.