ARYNA SABALENKA has spoken out for the first time since the tragic death of her former boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov.
Koltsov died aged 42 on Monday in what has been ruled by police to be an “apparent suicide”.
The former ice hockey star is said to have fallen from the 23rd floor of a Miami hotel.
Local cops have ruled out foul play in Koltsov’s death.
Sabalenka, 25, had been dating Koltsov since the summer of 2021, although has now revealed that they were no longer together at the time of his death.
In a statement posted to her Instagram story, the world No2 wrote: “Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken.
“Please respect my privacy and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Sabalenka is in Florida for the Miami Open.
The second seed still intends to play the Masters 1000 tournament, and after receiving a first round bye, is due to face close friend Paula Badosa on Friday.
In preparation for the tournament, Sabalenka has been practising on site.
Koltsov’s ex-wife Julija Mikhailova, with whom he had three children, claims that he “was very likely drunk” when he died.
She told Belarusian outlet Zerkalo: “Most likely, he was very drunk. Unfortunately, hockey players are sometimes guilty of this.
“Empty alcohol bottles were found in the room where Konstantin stayed. There was a balcony overlooking the ocean. Probably Konstantin did not keep track of his actions.
“We still have the old family computer with Konstantin’s email. I knew the passwords and managed to open some emails.
“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.”
Koltsov had been staying at the St Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami.
He is survived by children Daniel, 18, Alexander, 16, and Stefan, five.
Ahead of her scheduled meeting with Sabalenka, 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.”
The Spaniard, 26, then added: “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.”
After beating Clara Burel, Caroline Wozniacki said: “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.
“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.”
Sabalenka’s dad Sergey, also a former ice hockey player, died aged 43 in 2019.
The two-time grand slam champion later said: “I’m just trying to fight because my dad wanted me to be No1.
“I’m doing it for him, so that’s what is helping me to be strong right now.”
Sabalenka successfully defended her Australian Open title in January.
She also became world No1 for the first time last September after reaching the US Open final.
The Minsk-born star was last in action a week ago when she was beaten by American Emma Navarro in the round of 16 at Indian Wells.
