Konstantin Koltsov, the boyfriend of
Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, has passed away aged 42 years old. It's understood Koltsov was with the Belarusian ace in
Florida, where Sabalenka has been preparing for the upcoming Miami Open. The former ice hockey star's death was confirmed by his former club Salavat Yulaev Ufa, who announced his passing on their Telegram site. It's another awful moment for Sabalenka who also lost her father Sergey at the age of 43 years old in November 2019. The former World No.1 is yet to put out a statement about Koltsov's death, but the
Tennis world is already rallying around her. “It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away,” his former club’s statement said. “He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans. “Konstantin Evgenievich forever wrote himself into the history of our club. Koltsov won the
Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup as part of Salavat Yulaev, and did a great
Job on the team’s coaching staff. May his memory burn bright.” Koltsov also represented the Belarus national team in the 2002 and 2010 Olympics and spent three seasons with National Hockey League giants Pittsburgh Penguins between 2002 and 2006.
United States tennis star and former
US Open winner Sloane Stephens tweeted her support for Sabalenka and her family. She tweeted: