"My heart is broken" - Serena Williams' ex-coach & Andreea Prisacariu react to news of Aryna Sabalenka's boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov's reported death

 

It's heartening to see the outpouring of support from the tennis community for Aryna Sabalenka during this difficult time following the passing of her long-time boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov. Messages of condolences from figures like Rennae Stubbs and Andreea Prisacariu demonstrate the solidarity and compassion within the tennis universe.

The circumstances surrounding Konstantin Koltsov's passing, while in Florida to support his girlfriend Aryna Sabalenka ahead of her Miami Open campaign, are indeed heartbreaking. The Miami-Dade Police Department's determination of his passing as an 'apparent suicide' adds to the tragedy of the situation.

Rennae Stubbs, who was a significant figure by Serena Williams' side during her final Major tournament at the 2022 US Open, shared her sorrow at the news on Tuesday. It's evident that the loss of Konstantin Koltsov has deeply affected not only those close to Aryna Sabalenka but also individuals within the broader tennis community.

Andreea Prisacariu's gesture of compassion towards Aryna Sabalenka and Konstantin Koltsov's family, urging her followers to spare a moment and pray for them, demonstrates the empathy and support within the tennis community during this difficult time. It's heartening to see such solidarity and kindness extended to those affected by this tragedy.

"Sending prayers to Aryna Sabalenka and Koltsov's family. May he rest in peace and may God take care of his soul. During these kind of times, it's beyond sports, beyond competition. It's about being human and offer compassion. So let's all take a moment and pray," 

           Prisacariu wrote.

The revelation that Konstantin Koltsov leaves behind three children from his previous marriage to Julija Mihailova adds another layer of poignancy to his passing. His career trajectory, drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1999 and playing two seasons in the NHL, followed by retirement from ice hockey in 2016 while representing Dinamo Minsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), underscores the depth of his professional accomplishments.

Novak Djokovic-led PTPA offers condolences to Aryna Sabalenka on her loss

Novak Djokovic's PTPA gave condolences to Aryna Sabalenka

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), led by Novak Djokovic, expressed their condolences to Aryna Sabalenka on Tuesday (March 19) following the news of Konstantin Koltsov's passing. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), they conveyed their sympathy and support to Aryna, her family, and Konstantin's family during this challenging period.

The public acknowledgment of their relationship in 2021, a year after Konstantin Koltsov's divorce from his ex-wife Mihailova, sheds light on the depth of their connection. Aryna Sabalenka's heartfelt message on Instagram last April, where she described Konstantin as her "dearest person, best friend, and strongest support," reflects the profound bond they shared. It's evident that their relationship was marked by love, support, and mutual admiration.