Paula Badosa, Aryna Sabalenka's prospective
opponent, acknowledged that playing her on Friday will be "uncomfortable" in light of the
Australian Open champion's boyfriend's suicide. Konstantin Koltsov, Sabalenka's
boyfriend, 'died of suicide' on Monday night after plunging from a Miami
hotel balcony, according to authorities. The 42-year-old Belarusian, who skated for
the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, was declared deceased on Tuesday on the social media platform
Telegram by Salavat Yulaev Ufa, his former team. Global No. 2 Sabalenka is still
slated to compete in the Miami Open, where she will play Badosa on Friday.
'I mean, I don't want to talk about it,' Badosa stated. Naturally, though. She's one
of my best friends, as I've mentioned.I spent a lot of time talking with her yesterday. The
same this morning. I understand her situation, therefore. I am aware of everything that
is going on in this scenario.Given that she is ultimately my best friend and I don't
want her to suffer, I find it quite strange that she would have to go through that. It's a
really difficult circumstance.It is awkward to play against her at the same time. Yes, but as I
already stated, I'm not going to talk about it, therefore I'm not really interested
in talking about it. My best buddy, she is, and I made a commitment.
I will remain this way. Apologies. On Simona Halep's comeback from a doping ban,
Badosa defeated her 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 to go to the Sunshine State tournament's next round.
Sabalenka was back on the court on Tuesday, getting ready for the match
on Friday in the round of 64. A full day after Koltsov's death was
reported, Sabalenka was seen honing her serve in a video that Polish sports
broadcaster Bartosz Ignacik published. According to the Miami-Dade police
department, Kolstov's death is being investigated as an apparent suicide.
Investigators say that at 12:39 a.m. ET on Monday, a man leaped off a balcony at the
St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, prompting the dispatch of Bal Harbour Police and Fire Rescue.
Kolstov's death from a "detached blood clot" was initially reported in reports
from his home country of Belarus. Only five years have passed since
Sabalenka lost her father Sergey, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 43.
Her father had also been a professional hockey player, just like Koltsov. The Belarusian athlete
has frequently talked about how her father's death motivated her to improve in her tennis career.
Salavat Yulaev Ufa, Koltsov's former team, posted a statement saying: "He was a strong and
cheerful person, loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans." Forever etching
himself in our club's history was Konstantin. As a member of Salavat Yulaev, Koltsov
won the Gagarin Cup and the Russian Championship and was an excellent member of
the coaching staff.May his memory never fade. For assistance, contact the Suicide
& Crisis Lifeline at 988 in the US, or call Samaritans at 116123 in the UK. You can also visit www.samaritans.org or
www.thecalmzone.net/get-support.