Photo:Clive Brunskill/Getty
Clive Brunskill/Getty
Aryna Sabalenka is playing in her first tournament since the death of her ex-boyfriend, former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov.
The match was originally scheduled for Friday morning, butheavy rain in the areaput the tournament in a weather delay.
Sabalenka, who had been linked to Koltsov since June 2021,broke her silenceon Wednesday about what she called an “unthinkable tragedy."
“While we were no longer together, my heart is broken," Sabalenka wrote on her Instagram Story.
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Sabalenka ended her message with a request for supporters: “Please respect my privacy and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Shortly after the news broke about Koltsov’s death, officials at the Miami Open confirmed that the Belarusian star would stay in the tournament but would not be made available to the media.
In past days, Sabalenka has been spotted practicing at the venue, where she’s now taking on a friendly foe — her best friend Badosa.
Earlier this week, the 26-year-oldwas asked about how she has helped support Sabalenkain the wake of Koltsov’s death.
“I know what she’s going through,” Badosa said. “I know the entire situation, what is happening. That for me is a little bit shocking also to go through that because at the end, she’s my best friend and I don’t want her to suffer. It’s a very tough situation.”
Badosa added about the 2024 Australian Open winner: “At the same point playing against her, it’s also uncomfortable. Yeah, but I don’t really want to talk about it because I said I’m not going to talk about it. She’s my best friend and I promised that. I’m going to stay like this. Sorry.”
source: people.com
