Aryna Sabalenka given a break as she deals with ‘shocking’ tragedy
Aryna Sabalenka has vowed to carry on with her plans to play at the Miami Open, with tournament organisers offering the world No 2 a delayed start following the tragic death of her former partner Konstantin Koltsov.
Former ice hockey player Koltsov, who played in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins, died in Miami aged 42 on Monday in what police described as an “apparent suicide”.
Sabalenka, who is scheduled to participate in this week’s Miami Open, clarified in an Instagram story on Wednesday that she and Koltsov were no longer a couple before his death.
“Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy, and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” Sabalenka wrote. “Please respect my privacy and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Sabalenka was pictured practising in Miami ahead of her first outing against best friend Paula Badosa, who admitted facing the Belarusian will be “uncomfortable”.
Badosa said of Sabalenka: “Yesterday I spoke with her a lot of time. This morning the same. So I know what she’s going through. I know the entire situation, what is happening.
“That for me is a little bit shocking also to go through that because in the end she’s my best friend and I don’t want her to suffer. It’s a very tough situation.”
It is hard to imagine how Sabalenka will be able to focus on tennis after such a traumatic week and Miami Open tournament organisers have given the Belarusian star a chance to have extra time to prepare for her clash with Badosa.
READ MORE: Aryna Sabalenka breaks her silence on sudden death of ex-partner with emotional message
Sabalenka was expected to start her campaign in Miami on Thursday, but she will now play on Friday.
The Australian Open champion has been practising at the Miami Open tennis venue, but she has confirmed she will not be speaking to the media before or after her matches this week.
That is an entirely understandable reaction to such a horrific tragedy, with some of the biggest names in the women’s game offering Sabalenka their support in her time of crisis.
“I can’t even imagine what she’s going through right now. I’m saying that. I’m also tearing up,” said former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, as she was asked about the death of Koltsov
“It’s such a terrible situation. It’s so hard. I reached out to her and I told her that I was here if she needed anything.
“I love Aryna. I think she’s such a great person. She’s always so happy and out there. To see her go through that, it’s heartbreaking. I can’t even imagine what she’s going through right now. Everyone grieves in a different way.
“She was walking past today. I was giving her her space. I let her know that if she ever needs anything, I’m here, we’re here for her.”
WTA Tour chiefs will have been working closely with Sabalenka since news of Koltsov’s passing was confirmed, with the health and welfare of players now a big part of the game’s organisational structure.
Sabalenka can also expect big support from the Miami crowds when she takes to the court for what is bound to be an emotional match against her great friend Badosa.
