Aryna Sabalenka faces best friend in "uncomfortable" match after boyfriend death

20 March 2024 , 08:55

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Aryna Sabalenka with boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov, who died this week (Image: sabalenka_aryna/Instagram)

Paula Badosa admits she feels "uncomfortable" about playing against best friend Aryna Sabalenka at the Miami Open, following the tragic death of Sabalenka's boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov.

Sabalenka was seen practising on Tuesday, just a day after her 42 year-old former ice hockey player boyfriend died in Miami, which police have described as an "apparent suicide". According to Miami Police, "no foul play is suspected".

Sabelenka is due to face Badosa - who defeated Simona Halep on her return from a nine-month drugs ban on Tuesday - on Thursday. The Belarusian and current world No.2 - who has won two Australian Open titles - will compete this week but won't be conducting any press duties.

Speaking about Sabalenka, Badosa said: "Yesterday I spoke with her a lot of time. This morning the same. So I know what she's going through. I know the entire situation, what is happening.

"That for me is a little bit shocking also to go through that because at the end she's my best friend and I don't want her to suffer. It's a very tough situation.

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"At the same point, playing against her, it's also uncomfortable. But I don't really want to talk about it because I said I'm not going to talk about it. She's my best friend and I promised that.

"She's a strong woman. I think she will get the power from somewhere. I hope it's going to be a battle, a good match."

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Aryna Sabalenka and Konstantin Koltsov were together since 2021 (Instagram/sabalenka_aryna)

Koltsov, who played in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins, had been a regular presence supporting Sabalenka at tournaments. The news was announced by Russia ice hockey team Salavat Yulaev Ufa, where Koltsov had been assistant coach.

Caroline Wozniacki became emotional talking about the situation during her press conference, the Dane saying: "I can't even imagine what she's going through right now."

"I'm also tearing up. It's such a terrible situation. It's so hard. I reached out to her and I told her that I was here if she needed anything."

"I love Aryna. I think she's such a great person. She's always so happy and out there. To see her go through that, it's heartbreaking."

"Everyone grieves in a different way. She was walking past today. I was giving her her space. I let her know that if she ever needs anything, I'm here, we're here for her."

Alex Richards