Aryna Sabalenka praised for her strength by Paula Badosa after world No 2 beats ‘best friend’ on emotional return following the death of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov in ‘apparent suicide’
Paula Badosa paid tribute to Aryna Sabalenka after the world number 2 made an emotional return to the court following the death of her ex-boyfriend – and then defeated her ‘best friend’ in straight sets.
Sabalenka eased past Badosa 6-4 6-3 to reach the third round of the Miami Open just four days later Konstantin Koltsov died at the age of 42 in an ‘apparent suicide’ after jumping from a hotel balcony in Miami.
TThe 25-year-old Belarusian had to wait on Friday as heavy rain pounded South Florida, delaying the start of play by more than six hours.
The Australian Open champion – despite the tragedy – made quick work of Badosa, but the Spaniard was not shocked by Sabalenka’s performance.
“No, I wasn’t surprised at all,” she said. ‘She is a very, very strong woman, a strong personality, you can see that on the field.
Paula Badosa paid tribute to Aryna Sabalenka after the world number 2 made her return to the court
Sabalenka eased past Badosa 6-4 6-3 to reach the third round of the Miami Open
“I knew she would play really well and I told her I wish her the best and let’s see if she can go really deep in this tournament.”
Badosa added, “It wasn’t very comfortable playing my best friend in this situation… honestly, we’re both quite strong mentally, we’re strong women, I’ve proven it, she’s proven it.”
Sabalenka received a second-round bye and will now face Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina in Miami.
“She is a very, very strong woman, a strong personality, you can see that on the field,” Badosa said
Sabalenka issued a brief statement on Wednesday saying she was heartbroken by the “unthinkable tragedy” but otherwise stayed out of the spotlight. The statement also revealed that they had separated before the tragedy.
Miami-Dade police confirmed Tuesday that they responded the day before to a call at a Miami resort about reports of a man jumping from a balcony. According to the police, there is no foul play.
Koltsov, 42, played for the Belarusian national team at the 2002 and 2010 Olympics and spent parts of three seasons with the National Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins between 2003 and 2006.
News of Koltsov’s death sent shockwaves through the Miami Open as Sabalenka’s fellow players rallied around her, including her opponent Badosa.