The haunting similarities between the deaths of Aryna Sabalenka’s father and boyfriend as Australian Open star is struck by tragedy
- Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend died in Florida
- Konstantin Koltsov was 42 years old
- His death draws parallels with the death of her father
Aryna Sabalenka is struck by another tragedy in the space of five years after her boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, died in Florida.
The former Belarusian hockey star played for his national team at the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics, and also spent time in the United States playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL.
Sabalenka is in Florida preparing for the Miami Open and Koltsov is said to have joined the Australian Open champion ahead of the tournament.
His death was confirmed on social messaging site Telegram through the account of his former club Salavat Yulaev Ufa.
“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.
Konstantin Koltsov, the friend of world number two Aryna Sabalenka, has died in Florida
In November 2019, Sabalenka lost her father Sergey (left) suddenly at the age of 43. Koltsov, like Sergey, was a former ice hockey player and died at the age of 42.
Tuesday’s shocking news bears frightening similarities to an earlier tragedy in Sabalenka’s life.
Her father, Sergey, was also a former professional hockey player and died in 2019 at the age of 43.
Koltsov played hockey, of course, and died at the age of 42.
Sabalenka has spoken openly about how her father’s death inspired her to take up tennis.
After winning her second Australian Open title in January, Sabalenka achieved a feat she previously discussed in an episode of Netflix’s tennis docu-series Break Point.
“We had one dream: that I would win a few Grand Slams before I was 25,” said the then 24-year-old.
“Now I’m 24 and there’s zero in my pocket.”
Australian Open champion Sabalenka is in Florida for the Miami Open
Sabalenka and Koltsov are believed to have been dating for three years after they were first linked in June 2021 and the world number two 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.’