Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two, plans to play in the Miami Open this week, organizers announced Tuesday, as fellow players offered their support following the apparent suicide of her boyfriend.
Sabalenka’s partner, Belarusian former NHL ice hockey player Konstantin Koltsov, 42, died late Monday after jumping from the balcony of a room at an upscale resort in Miami, according to police.
Sabalenka, a two-time Grand Slam winner, practiced at the Miami Open’s Hard Rock Stadium early on Tuesday afternoon, with organizers stating that she had not asked to withdraw and was “intending to play.”
The 25-year-old from Minsk, who won the Australian Open in 2023 and defended her Melbourne title earlier this year, will face Spain’s Paula Badosa in the second round.
Sabalenka’s close friend, Badosa, predicted an “uncomfortable” match.
“I spoke with her for a long time yesterday. This morning was the same. “So I understand what she’s going through,” she said at a press conference.
“I am aware of the entire situation and what is happening. That is also shocking to me because she is my best friend, and I do not want her to suffer. “It’s a very difficult situation,” she explained.
“At the same point playing against her, it’s also uncomfortable.”
Miami-Dade police spokesman Artemis Colome said in an email that on Monday at 12:39 a.m. (0439 GMT), police were dispatched to the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort about a male who jumped from a balcony.
“The Miami-Dade Police Department’s Homicide Bureau responded and took over the investigation into Mr. Konstantin Koltsov’s apparent suicide. “No foul play is suspected.”
Bal Harbour is a high-end district in northern Miami Beach that is known for its luxury shopping mall and plush accommodations.
‘Terrible situation’
Sabalenka frequently trains out of Miami and maintains a residence there.
Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki described the situation as “heartbreaking.”
“I cannot imagine what she is going through right now. I am saying that. I’m also tearing up. It is such a terrible situation. It’s really hard. I contacted her and told her I was available if she needed anything.
“I love Aryna. I think she’s a wonderful person. She’s always happy and outgoing. Seeing her go through that is heartbreaking. I cannot imagine what she is going through right now. Everyone grieves in different ways.
“She walked past today. I was giving her space. I told her that if she ever needed anything, she could come to me, and we would be there for her.
American Jessica Pegula stated that the players were aware of the tragic news and offered their support to Sabalenka.
“I think all of us heard about it last night and then obviously there’s more news about it this morning, which was just horrible,” she was quoted as saying.
“All you can do is provide genuine support for how she chooses to deal with it. “You never know how someone will react or how they want to grieve, and everyone is so different,” she explained.
Koltsov’s death had previously been confirmed by the Belarusian Hockey Federation.
“We are in mourning,” the federation announced on its website.
Koltsov played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL from 2003 to 2006, making 144 appearances.
“The Penguins extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Penguins forward, Konstantin Koltsov,” the Penguins said in a statement.
He also competed for Belarus in 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 his relationship with Sabalenka.
