The Australian Open champion played in the Miami Open four days after Koltsov’s death.
Two weeks after the death of her former boyfriend NHL pro Konstantin Koltsov, Aryna Sabalenka is speaking out.
“I want to take a moment to say thank you to all my fans for your outpouring of love and support during this difficult time,” the tennis star, 25, wrote on her Instagram Story on Monday. “Your kind words mean so much and I carry them with me every day. I am so grateful for you all.”
The 42-year-old Koltsov, whom Sabalenka had been linked to since June 2021, died by suicide in Bal Harbour, Florida last month.
The Miami-Dade Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE at the time that they were dispatched to the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort on March 18 “in reference to a male that jumped from a balcony.”
Koltsov, a father of three, had frequently traveled with the Belarusian player to her tournaments during their relationship.
In a statement following the former Pittsburgh Penguins player’s death, Sabalenka said they were no longer in a relationship.
“Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy, and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” she wrote on Instagram. “Please respect my privacy and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
After Koltsov’s death, the world No. 2 carried out her commitment to play at the Miami Open. Four days after the tragedy, she took the court against her best friend, Spain’s Paula Badosa.
Wearing black, Sabalenka defeated Badosa (6-4, 6-3) but lost the next day in the round of 32 to Anhelina Kalinina in three sets (6-4, 1-6, 6-1).
Following the loss, the Australian Open champion smashed her racket into the ground three times and didn’t shake hands with Kalinina. Sabalenka did not speak to the media at the tournament.
Sabalenka is next expected to play at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany beginning April 15, where she’s been a finalist the last three years.
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