Aryna Sabalenka and boyfriend 'no longer together' as ex-wife makes shock new claims

Aryna Sabalenka has spoken for the first time about her former boyfriend's death, revealing she and Konstantin Koltsov were no longer in a relationship. Police have revealed that Koltsov died by apparent suicide this week while he and Sabalenka were both in Miami.

Sabalenka is preparing to play in the Miami Open tennis tournament, and has been rocked by the shocking tragedy. Taking to social media on Wednesday (local time), the two-time Australian Open champion revealed that she and Koltsov were "no longer together" when he died.

Describing it as an "unthinkable tragedy", Sabalenka said: "While we were no longer together, my heart is broken. Please respect my privacy and his family’s privacy during this difficult time."

Konstantin Koltsov's ex-wife makes staggering new claims

Sabalenka, 26, began dating Koltsov, 42, in 2001 after he split with his wife, with whom he has three children. The former professional hockey player, who played for the Pittsburgh Pengiuns in the NHL in America, died on Monday.

Police in Miami have stated it was an apparent suicide, with no foul play involved. But Koltsov's ex-wife Julija Mikhailova has suggested it may have been an accident.

“Empty alcohol bottles were found in the room where Konstantin stayed," she told The Sun. "There was a balcony overlooking the ocean. Probably Konstantin did not keep track of his actions.

“Konstantin had further booked apartments in a different location. Purchases that have not yet arrived have been paid for. He rented a car for a long time. That is, he did not intend to die. Anything, of course, can go to your head, but there was no sign of tragedy.”

Tennis players rally around Aryna Sabalenka

Sabalenka is still intending to play the Miami Open and is scheduled to play good friend Paula Badosa in the second round on Friday. Discussing the situation on Wednesday, Badosa said: “It’s a very tough situation. Yesterday I spoke with her. This morning the same. 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.

“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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Danish veteran Caroline Wozniacki also addressed the tragedy after her first-round win: “I can’t even imagine what she’s going through. I’m also tearing up. It’s such a terrible situation. It’s so hard," she said in her press conference.

“I reached out to her and I told her that I was here if she needed anything. I love Aryna. 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.”

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