Aryna Sabalenka returns to the court after shock death of her boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov… with world No. 2 still set to play at the Miami Open despite his apparent suicide

World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka was spotted preparing for the Miami Open on Tuesday – just 24 hours after the shocking death of her boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov.

Police confirmed that Koltsov had been to date Australian Open The 25-year-old champion Sabalenka died on Monday at the age of 42 in an apparent suicide after jumping from a hotel balcony in Miami.

The Belarusian former professional hockey player is said to have joined his girlfriend in the city as she prepares for the Miami Open, where she starts her campaign on Friday.

Despite his apparent suicide, the Tennis Channel reports that Sabalenka still plans to play the tournament in the Sunshine State this month.

As a result, she returned to the court on Tuesday to practice for her Round of 64 tie on Friday, when she will meet the winner of Simona Halep and Paula Badosa’s opening match.

Sabalenka’s friend Konstantin Kolstov died on Monday morning at the age of 42

Police have confirmed that Koltsov, who had been in a relationship with the Australian Open champion for three years, apparently committed suicide after jumping from a hotel balcony in Miami.

It is believed that despite her loss, Sabalenka still plans to play at the Miami Open this month

In footage shared by Polish sports commentator Bartosz Ignacik, Sabalenka is seen working her serve, just 24 hours after Koltsov’s death was confirmed.

Miami-Dade police told DailyMail.com that the investigation into Kolstov’s death is being treated as an apparent suicide.

According to investigators, Bal Harbor police and firefighters were dispatched to the St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort in reference to a man who jumped from a balcony at 12:39 a.m. ET on Monday.

Reports from his native Belarus initially claimed that Kolstov had died of a “dislodged blood clot.”

Koltsov, who played hockey for the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, was pronounced dead by his former club Salavat Yulaev Ufa on the social messaging site Telegram on Tuesday.

“It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Salavat Yulaev’s coach, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away,” the Russian club’s statement read.

‘He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues and fans. Konstantin wrote himself into the history of our club forever.

‘Koltsov won the Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup as part of Salavat Yulaev and did a great job in the team’s technical staff.

Both Koltsov and Sabalenka recently shared their affection for each other on social media, with the former paying tribute to his girlfriend on International Women’s Day this year.

Koltsov, a former professional hockey player, was selected by the Penguins with the No. 18 overall pick in the 1999 NHL Draft

Koltsov’s tragic death comes just five years after Sabalenka lost her father Sergey

“May his memory burn brightly.”

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.

Sabalenka and Koltsov 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.’

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.