Aryna Sabalenka steps out at Miami Open following death of ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov in ‘apparent suicide’ – with world No 2 finally set to face best friend Paula Badosa after FIVE rain delays

Aryna Sabalenka has gone on trial at the Miami Open just four days after the shocking death of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov.

On the eve of Sabalenka’s opening match, police confirmed on Tuesday that Koltsov had been date the Australian Open champion for three years, died Monday at the age of 42 in an “apparent suicide” after jumping from a hotel balcony in Miami.

It was initially believed that the Belarusian former professional hockey player, who shares three children with ex-wife Julija Mikhailova, had joined his girlfriend in the city as she prepared for the tournament this month.

But on Wednesday, Sabalenka, 25, claimed their relationship had already ended as she broke her silence on the “unthinkable tragedy” of his death.

Despite Koltsov’s apparent suicide, the world number 2 has chosen to continue with her Miami Open campaign, which starts today against her best friend Paula Badosa.

Sabalenka’s Miami Open campaign started on Friday against her best friend Paula Badosa

Koltsov, who had been in a relationship with Australian Open champion Sabalenka for three years, died on Monday at the age of 42 after jumping from a hotel balcony in Miami.

Miami police say the Belarusian former professional hockey player fell to his death at the St Regis Bal Harbor Resort

Sabalenka returned to training just 24 hours after Koltsov’s death due to an ‘apparent suicide’

In a statement on Wednesday, she claimed their relationship had already ended as she broke her silence on the “unthinkable tragedy.”

After five rain delays kept her waiting all day amid heavy downpours in Miami, Sabalenka finally stepped onto the court for her Round of 64 match with Badosa at 5pm local time.

She was given a warm welcome after leaving the tunnel as fans expressed their condolences following her tragic loss just days ago.

Sabalenka had worked on her forehand and serve earlier on Tuesday and Wednesday, blocking out the grief in the first days after Koltsov’s apparent suicide in preparation for Friday’s match.

Miami-Dade police have taken over the investigation into his death. However, his ex-wife Mikhailova has given her opinion on what might have happened to him – saying that he was “most likely drunk” before his fall and that there were things all over his room on the 23rd floor of the St. Regis liquor bottles were found. Bal Harbor Resort.

‘Most likely he was very drunk,” she said Zerkalo about the ex-NHL star, who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and represented Belarus at two Winter Olympics. ‘Unfortunately, hockey players are sometimes guilty of that.

‘Empty alcohol bottles were found in the room where Konstantin was staying. There was a balcony with an ocean view. Probably Konstantin did not keep track of his actions.

‘WWe still have the old family computer with Konstantin’s email. I knew the passwords and managed to open some emails. Konstantin had also booked apartments at another location. Purchases that have not yet arrived have been paid for. He rented a car for a long time.

“That is, he did not mean to die. Of course, anything can go to your head, but there was no sign of tragedy.”

Police have ruled out murder and expect the investigation to be completed within a month, Mikhailova said.

It is unclear when Koltsov and Sabalenka, who were first linked in 2021, broke up

Koltsov’s ex-wife Mikhailova believes his death may have been the result of alcohol consumption

Koltsov played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and represented Belarus at two Winter Olympics

It is unclear when the relationship between Sabalenka and Koltsov ended, but several sources said this The Telegraph that the couple had broken up.

The pair were first linked in June 2021 and the two-time Australian Open winner has regularly posted photos of them together on her Instagram account.

“I love you @koltsov2021,” she wrote in a message with hearts and other emojis.

“Happy birthday my love. You are my dearest person, my best friend and my strongest support. Peace be with you, strength, patience and health.

‘I hope we get everything we planned. I love you.’

The death of Sabalenka’s partner comes just five years after her lost her father Sergey after his sudden death at the age of 43.

Like Koltsov, her father had also played professional hockey, and the Belarusian athlete has often spoken about the motivation her father inspired her in her tennis game.

For support, call Samaritans on 116123 in the UK or visit www.samaritans.org or www.thecalmzone.net/get-supportor call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on 988 in the US.