Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka has thanked fans as she continues to grieve the death of her former partner Konstantin Koltsov last month.
The Olympian and ex-NHL hockey player’s apparent suicide ahead of the Miami Open last month sent shockwaves through the tennis community, with Sabalenka saying her “heart was broken” by the “unthinkable tragedy”.
Sabalenka’s first statement also revealed the couple had in fact split prior to Koltsov’s death.
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In a remarkable show of strength, Sabalenka did not withdraw from the tournament and she went on to win her first match against good friend Paula Badosa.
The traumatic week took its toll when the world No.2 lost her second match and vented her frustration by smashing her racquet.
Sabalenka stepped out of the spotlight after the defeat and issued a brief update on Tuesday alongside a photo of a sunset.
“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 25-year-old wrote.
“Your kind words mean so much and I carry them with me every day. I am so grateful for you all.”
Sabalenka is due to play again at the Stuttgart Open ahead of top-level WTA events in Madrid and Rome in the build-up to the French Open at the end of May.
Sabalenka and Koltsov, 42, had been together for about three years.
His cause of death had been unclear until local police released a statement.
“According to investigators on Monday, March 18, 2024, at approximately 12.39am, Bal Harbour Police and Fire Rescue were dispatched to the St Regis Bal Harbour Resort, 9703 Collins Ave,” the Miami-Dade Police Department said.
“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.”
Sabalenka mourned Koltsov by wearing black for her matches at the Miami Open.
Badosa did the same as she offered her support to Sabalenka, spending a significant amount of time with her in the days after the tragedy.
“I don’t want to talk about it. But of course. As I said before, she’s one of my best friends,” Badosa said before the match.
“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.
“At the same point playing against her, it’s also uncomfortable. Yeah, 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.”
Former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki was emotional when discussing the “terrible situation” after a win.
“I can’t even imagine what she’s going through right now. I’m saying that. I’m also tearing up,” she said.
“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. I can’t even imagine what she’s going through right now.
“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.”
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
