Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov passes away at 42

Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov passed away at the age of 42, confirmed his former Russian hockey club Salavat Yulaev on Tuesday.

Koltsov, a former hockey player who played for NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, was supposed to join Sabalenka in the United States as the Belarusian is currently in Miami to prepare for the 2024 Miami Open.

“It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away,” the Russian club's statement read.

“He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans. Konstantin forever wrote himself into the history of our club.

“Koltsov won the Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup as part of Salavat Yulaev, and did a great job on the team’s coaching staff. May his memory burn bright.”

As per the Belarusian media, the reason behind the 42-year-old’s death is “a detached blood clot.”

It is further revealed that just two days before his shock passing, he had decided not to renew his coaching contract with Salavat Yulaev, the team he had been coaching for the last two years.

Koltsov’s death came just after years after the death of Sabalenka’s father, Sergey Sabalenka, who, just like Koltsov played professional hockey and passed away at the young age of 43.

Sabalenka has always spoken highly of her father and credited him for becoming a professional tennis player.

Remember, Sabalenka and Koltsov have been dating for three years after linking up with one another for the first time in 2021. The two often used to post pictures together on social media.

Sabalenka crashed out of the ongoing 2024 Indian Wells in the last 16 after losing to Emma Navarro before eliminating Emma Raducano.

As of now, there has been no statement released by Sabalenka or her entourage over the death of her boyfriend.

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