Current:Home > ScamsCaroline Wozniacki & More Tennis Pros Support Aryna Sabalenka After Konstantin Koltsov's Death -LegacyBuild Academy
Caroline Wozniacki & More Tennis Pros Support Aryna Sabalenka After Konstantin Koltsov's Death
View
Date:2025-04-17 00:03:52
The tennis world is sending their love to Aryna Sabalenka.
Following the death of Sabalenka's boyfriend, hockey player Konstantin Koltsov, fellow pro Caroline Wozniacki sent her support to the 25-year-old, who, as of now, is set to play at the Miami Open March 22.
"I can't even imagine what she's going through right now," Wozniacki told reporters at the Miami Open March 20, according to The Guardian. "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."
"Everyone grieves in a different way," the 33-year-old continued. "She was walking past today—giving her space, but I let her know that if she ever needs anything, I'm here, we're here for her."
Paula Badosa, who is set to face off against Sabalenka in the second round of the tournament, shared she's spoken with her best friend following the news.
"It's a very tough situation," Badosa said March 20, per the BBC. "Yesterday I spoke with her. This morning the same. 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."
"Playing against her, it's also uncomfortable," she added. "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. She's a strong woman. I think she will get the power from somewhere. I hope it's going to be a battle, a good match."
Koltsov's death was confirmed by his Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) team Salavat Yulaev on March 18. The following day, the 42-year-old's cause of death was revealed as an apparent suicide by the Miami-Dade Police Department in a statement to E! News March 19, adding that "no foul play is suspected."
"He was a strong and cheerful person," the KHL said in a translated March 18 statement. "He was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans."
"Konstantin forever wrote himself into the history of our club," the statement continued. "[He] won the Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup as part of Salavat Yulaev, and did a great job on the team's coaching staff."
Sabalenka—who is currently ranked no. 2 in the Women's Tennis Association—has yet to speak out publicly about his passing, although she did often post about their romance, which began in 2021, on social media.
"Happy birthday my love," she captioned an Instagram video of the two in April of last year. "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."
For more of their sweetest moments together, keep reading.
Aryna Sabalenka debuted her romance with Konstantin Koltsov in June 2021.
The couple celebrated their first Christmas and New Years Eve together after making their relationship public.
The tennis star wished the former hockey player a happy birthday, calling him, "My beloved."
They posed in front of Rome's Colosseum during a May 2022 trip.
The pair snapped a quick selfie in front of Rome's Trevi Fountain.
The 25-year-old relaxed in between tournaments on the beach.
The Grand Slam winner posed with flowers sent to her by her boyfriend. She captioned the Sept. 2022 post, "Lucky me I have the best man in the world."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (8)
Related
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- No charges will be filed in nonbinary teen Nex Benedict's death, Oklahoma district attorney says
- Southern Baptists pick a California seminary president to lead its troubled administrative body
- Did grocery chains take advantage of COVID shortages to raise prices? FTC says yes
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- Beyoncé to be honored with Innovator Award at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards
- USMNT avoids stunning Concacaf Nations League elimination with late goal vs. Jamaica
- Shakira has a searing song with Cardi B and it's the best one on her new album
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- A Nashville guide for those brought here by Beyoncé: Visit these Music City gems
Ranking
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- Georgia Senate lawmakers give final passage to bill to loosen health permit rules
- Reports attach Margot Robbie to new 'Sims' movie: Here's what we know
- Jake Paul isn't nervous about Iron Mike Tyson's power. 'I have an iron chin.'
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Jake Paul isn't nervous about Iron Mike Tyson's power. 'I have an iron chin.'
- Star Wars celebrates 'Phantom Menace' 25th anniversary with marathon of 9 films in theaters
- Create a digital will or control what Meta shares with savvy tech tips
Recommendation
Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
Facebook owner, Microsoft, X and Match side with Epic Games in Apple lawsuit
Senate rival Frank LaRose joins other GOP Ohio officeholders in endorsing Bernie Moreno
Revisit the 2023 March Madness bracket results as the 2024 NCAA tournament kicks off
Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
Lawsuit in New Mexico alleges abuse by a Catholic priest decades ago
The Notebook: Turning the bestselling romance into a Broadway musical
'Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra': First look and what to know about upcoming game