Meet Aryna Sabalenka boyfriend who died by ‘apparent suicide’

• Aryna Sabalenka boyfriend Konstantin Yevgeniyevich Koltsov passed away at the age of 42
• The Belarusian former NHL ice hockey player died late Monday after jumping from the balcony of a room in Miami
• Sabalenka intends to play in Miami Open despite the death of her boyfriend

Aryna Sabalenka boyfriend Konstantin Yevgeniyevich Koltsov has been trending since he passed away at the start of this week.

Konstantin is quite a popular name to the sporting world as he was not only tennis star Sabalenka’s boyfriend but also a former ice hockey player. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Pittsburgh Penguins and also made a name for himself while representing the Belarusian national team, with whom he played for at the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics as well as nine World Championships.

Konstantin Koltsov died on Monday and his death was announced by Salavat Yulaev, which is one of the clubs he previously played for and later served as an assistant manager.

Konstantin Koltsov. Photo/ Us Weekly.

“It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away.” The club said in a statement as reported by Sky Sports.

Salavat Yulaev described Koltsov as a strong and cheerful person who was loved and also respected by fans, colleagues and players as well.

What Caused The Death Of Aryna Sabalenka Boyfriend?

The death of Konstantin Koltsov, Aryna Sabalenka boyfriend, has been ruled out as an ‘apparent suicide’. The Belarusian, who was 42, was found dead at a hotel in Miami, Florida. Miami-Dade Police Department, Homicide Bureau released a statement saying that no “foul play” is suspected in the former ice hockey player’s death. The police said that Konstantin died after jumping from the balcony of his hotel room.

Prior to beginning his relationship with tennis world number two Aryna Sabalenka, Konstantin was married to Julia and the couple had three children.

Konstantin Koltsov Ice Hockey Career

Konstantin Koltsov wanted to become a hockey player from a young age. He began his journey in hockey at Belarusian 1st division where he played for Junactva during the 1997-98 season. He then moved to Russia where he signed with Severstal Cherepovets and soon got the nickname “Russian Rocket II” because of his playing style which was similar to that of legendary Russian player Pavel Bure.

Following his impressive performance, Konstantin was drafted to the NHL in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft and was picked by Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round. He spent three seasons in the NHL and also enjoyed spells at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the American Hockey League (AHL).

Konstantin returned to Russia in 2006 and signed with Salavat Yulaev of the Russian Super League. He would go on to win the RSL with the club at the end of the 2007-08 season.

At international level, Konstantin Koltsov played for Belarus at various major competitions. As earlier mentioned, he was part of the Belarusian squad that played at two Winter Olympic Games – in Salt Lake City and Vancouver in 2010. The Belarusian player would announce his retirement from hockey in November 2016, ending a career that spanned eighteen years.

Following his retirement, Konstantin worked as an assistant coach for his former club Salavat Yulaev. He was also the head coach for the Belarusian national team.

Will Aryna Sabalenka Play In Miami Open?

Aryna Sabalenka and her boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov who passed away at the start of this week. Photo/ People.

According to multiple reliable sources on the internet, Sabalenka intends to play in Miami Open despite the death of her boyfriend. BBC reports that she will enter the tournament at he second-round stage later this week. The 25-year-old will face Spain’s Paula Badosa tomorrow or on Friday.

Badosa, who is close friends with Sabalenka, said it would be uncomfortable playing against her considering the situation.

“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.” Fox Sports quotes Paula Badosa.