WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka continues training in Miami awaiting a second round clash against Simona Halep or Paula Badosa after shocking news of boyfriend’s alleged suicide makes news

In the most shocking news of the day, former professional ice-hockey player Konstantin Koltsov who was also the boyfriend of popular tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, has passed away by an ‘apparent suicide’ at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami. Koltsov played for NHL (National Hockey League) franchise Pittsburgh Penguins for three years between 2003 and 2006 and also represented the Belarus National team at the Winter Olympics in the years 2002 and 2010.

It took place during Aryna Sabalenka‘s time at the 2024 Miami Open and it puts her in a really bad condition. It is first and foremost very traumatising for her and it is impossible for others to even fathom the amount of pain she must be going through right now. Moreover, the added pressure of the upcoming tournament makes things even more difficult for her.

The Miami-Dade Police Department informed CNN after the incident:

The Miami-Dade Police Department, Homicide Bureau, responded and has taken over the investigation of the apparent suicide of Mr. Konstantin Koltsov … No foul play is suspected. 

The Miami-Dade Police Department’s statement read

However, the show must go on and the Belarusian was spotted on the tennis court practicing ahead of her first match of the Miami Open – hours after the news of her boyfriend’s death got out in public. This shows her dedication to the sport. However, above that, she probably needs tennis more than ever right now to heal herself, as many fans on the internet have rightly pointed out.

Aryna Sabalenka faces Paula Badosa in her first match of the 2024 Miami Open

Aryna Sabalenka was supposed to face the winner of the match between Simona Halep and Paula Badosa in the second round of the tournament. The Belarusian did not have to play in the first round, having received an automatic advancement to the second round.

Simona Halep made a comeback in this tournament after successfully appealing against her 4-year ban. She last appeared in the 2022 US Open and has made a comeback to the tour immediately after her suspension was revoked. The Romanian has already lost more than a year of her life due to the suspension and did not want to waste any further time.

She faced Paula Badosa in the first round and performed pretty well in the first set. Unfortunately, she could not keep the momentum going and ended up losing the match. As a result, Aryna Sabalenka will now face Paula Badosa in her match. Sabalenka and Badosa have both won two matches each other.

In case you missed it:

• “That’s going to open up a whole can of worms,” John McEnroe sees tennis shooting itself in the foot with lucrative Saudi deals beckoning around the corner with rigorous schedules
• WATCH: Novak Djokovic flexes immaculate basketball skills while he focuses on time away from tennis

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