Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa shared a heartwarming hug after their Miami Open match – just days after the former ex-boyfriend died after falling from the balcony.
The world number 2 won 6-4, 6-3 to reach the third round in the Sunshine State despite her week of heartache.
Sabalenka’s friend Konstantin Koltsov died on Monday at the age of 42 in an “apparent suicide” after jumping from the balcony of a five-star hotel in Miami.
The Belarusian star shared a long hug with best friend Badosa before they continued walking on either side of the net, arms still around each other.
They managed to smile after an emotional battle on Friday, with Sabalenka having just four days to prepare for her loss.
Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa shared a heartwarming hug after their Miami Open match
The world number 2 received a warm welcome as she defeated Badosa 6-4, 6-3 to reach the third round
Konstantin Koltsov, Sabalenka’s ex-boyfriend of three years, died Monday at the age of 42 after jumping from a hotel balcony in Miami
It was initially believed that Koltsov, 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.
She and Koltsov, a former professional Belarusian hockey player, dated for three years.
After five rain delays kept her waiting all day amid heavy downpours in Miami, Sabalenka finally stepped onto the Grandstand court and won in straight sets.
Badosa wasn’t surprised by her best friend’s actions. “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.
“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 will not speak to the media after her rounds.
It is unclear when Koltsov and Sabalenka, who were first linked in 2021, ended their relationship
Miami police say the Belarusian former professional hockey player fell to his death at the St Regis Bal Harbor Resort
In a statement on Wednesday, Sabalenka claimed their relationship had already ended as she broke her silence on the “unthinkable tragedy.”
Koltsov’s death has made it a testing week for Sabalenka, who was one of the 32 seeded players to be sent bye to the second round.
His ex-wife Julija Mikhailova told media in Belarus that he was “most likely drunk” when he fell from the hotel balcony.
Miami-Dade police have taken over the investigation into the suspected suicide, but in an interview with media in her native Belarus, Mikhailova gave her thoughts on what could have happened.
She has claimed her ex-husband was “most likely drunk” before the fatal fall, and while she says liquor bottles were found in his hotel room, officers could not find a suicide note. She also says that she believes his recent behavior indicated he was not preparing for 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.
Koltsov’s ex-wife Julija Mikhailova believes his death may have been the result of drinking alcohol
Koltsov played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and represented Belarus at two Winter Olympics
Two weeks ago, Koltsov paid tribute to the two-time Australian Open champion on International Women’s Day, writing: ‘Happy holidays love – I love you dearly’
‘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.
“May his memory burn brightly.”
Koltsov and Sabalenka 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.’
On International Women’s Day, Koltsov shared a photo gallery of Sabalenka, dedicated to the tennis star, with the caption: “Happy holidays, my dear, I love you dearly.”
Koltsov is said to have three sons from his previous relationship with his ex-wife Yulia, named Daniel, Alexander and Stefan.
The former Pittsburg Penguins player made his first on-court appearance when Sabalenka faced Coco Gauff at the 2021 Italian Open in Rome
Koltsov was a de facto member of Sabalenka’s coaching team and a frequent supporter on tour
Tennis star Sabalenka continued her preparations for the Miami Open on Wednesday and played through her grief
The tragedy comes so soon after Sabalenka lost her father under similarly disturbing circumstances.
The player’s late father, Sergey, who was also a former professional ice hockey player, died suddenly in 2019 at the age of 43.
Kolstov spent parts of three seasons in Pittsburgh from 2002 and 2006 after being selected by the Penguins with the No. 18 overall pick in the 1999 NHL Draft.
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.
