Aryna Sabalenka trained at Hard Rock Stadium as Miami Open organizers said she did not request to withdraw
Aryna Sabalenka plans to play at the Miami Open this week, organizers said Tuesday, as other players offered her support following the death of her boyfriend in an apparent suicide in Florida.
Sabalenka’s partner, former NHL ice hockey player Konstantin Koltsov, 42, died after jumping from a room balcony at an upscale Miami resort, police said.
Sabalenka, a two-time major champion, practiced Tuesday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium at the Miami Open, as organizers said she had not requested to withdraw and “had the intention to play.
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The 25-year-old Minskoise, winner of the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024, will face Paula Badosa in the second round. The Spaniard, a close friend of Sabalenka, said the match would be “uncomfortable”.
“Yesterday I talked with her for a lot of time. Same this morning. So I know what she’s going through,” she said at a press conference.
“I know the whole situation, what’s going on. For me, it’s also a bit shocking to experience this because at the end, she’s my best friend and I don’t want her to suffer. It’s a very difficult situation,” she added.
“At the same time, playing against her is also uncomfortable.”
Miami-Dade police spokesman Argemis Colome said that at 12:39 a.m. (0439 GMT) Monday, police “were dispatched to the St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort in reference to a man who jumped from a balcony”.
“The Miami-Dade Police Department, Homicide Bureau, responded and took over the investigation into the apparent suicide of Mr. Konstantin Koltsov. No foul play is suspected.
“Terrible situation”
Sabalenka frequently trains from Miami and maintains a residence in the city.
Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki said the situation was “heartbreaking”.
“I can’t even imagine what she’s going through right now. That is what I am saying. I also have tears in my eyes. This is such a terrible situation. It is so hard. I contacted her and told her I was here if she needed anything.
“I love Aryna. I think he’s a great person. She is always so happy and there. Watching her go through this is heartbreaking. I can’t even imagine what she’s going through right now. Everyone cries in a different way.
“She was passing by today. I gave him his space. I let her know that if she ever needs anything, I’m here, we’re here for her,” she said.
American Jessica Pegula said the players were aware of the tragic news and offered their support to Sabalenka.
“I think we all heard about it last night and obviously there’s more news about it this morning, which was really horrible,” she told reporters.
“All you can do is really offer support in whatever way she wants to deal with it. You never know how someone is going to take it or how they want to grieve and everyone is so different,” she said.
Koltsov’s death had already been confirmed by the Belarusian hockey federation.
“We are in mourning,” the federation said on its website.
Koltsov’s playing career included a stint with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, where he played in 144 games between 2003 and 2006.
“The Penguins extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Penguins forward Konstantin Koltsov,” the team said in a statement.
He also played for Belarus at two Winter Olympics – Salt Lake City in 2002 and Vancouver in 2010 – as well as nine world championships.
He had three children with his wife Julia, whom he divorced in 2020 before starting a relationship with Sabalenka.
