Current:Home > MarketsCaroline Wozniacki & More Tennis Pros Support Aryna Sabalenka After Konstantin Koltsov's Death -ProsperityStream Academy
Caroline Wozniacki & More Tennis Pros Support Aryna Sabalenka After Konstantin Koltsov's Death
Chainkeen View
Date:2025-04-10 08:48:45
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! (9)
Related
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- 5 centenarians at Ohio nursing home celebrate 500+ years at epic birthday party
- Haley to launch ad targeting Trump's handling of North Korea relationship and hostage Otto Warmbier
- Former players explain greatness Tara VanDerveer, college basketball's winningest coach
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Democrats believe abortion will motivate voters in 2024. Will it be enough?
- Taylor Swift cheers on Travis Kelce as the Kansas City Chiefs again take on Buffalo Bills
- Iran is ‘directly involved’ in Yemen Houthi rebel ship attacks, US Navy’s Mideast chief tells AP
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- Former firefighter accused of planting explosives near California roadways pleads not guilty
Ranking
- Sam Taylor
- Elle King under fire for performing Dolly Parton cover 'hammered': 'Ain't getting your money back'
- Marlena Shaw, 'California Soul' singer, dead at 81: 'Beloved icon and artist'
- Chiefs-Bills marks Patrick Mahomes' first road playoff game. He's 'excited' for challenge.
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- A temple to one of Hinduism’s holiest deities is opening in Ayodhya, India. Here’s what it means
- Elderly couple, disabled son die in house fire in Galveston, Texas
- If you donate DNA, what should scientists give in return? A 'pathbreaking' new model
Recommendation
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
Chiefs-Bills marks Patrick Mahomes' first road playoff game. He's 'excited' for challenge.
Latest EPA assessment shows almost no improvement in river and stream nitrogen pollution
Across Germany, anti-far right protests draw hundreds of thousands - in Munich, too many for safety
Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
NFL schedule today: Everything to know about playoff games on Jan. 21
Watch this incredible dog help save her owner after he fell into a frozen lake
Massachusetts police officer shot, injured during gunfire exchange with barricaded man