Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka posted a heartfelt video about her relationship with Konstantin Kolstov just three months before his tragic death.
Former ice hockey player Kolstov, 42, reportedly took his own life in Florida this week, where he had been with fellow Belarusian Sabalenka for the Miami Open.
Kolstov, who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL between 2002 and 2006, was a near-constant presence for Sabalenka’s biggest career moments.
Sabalenka, currently ranked world No.2, has won two Grand Slam titles to date, which have both come at the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
She is scheduled to play her first Miami Open match on Friday and reportedly intends to take part in the tournament despite news of Kolstov’s death.
Sabalenka posted a Reel on Instagram about her relationship with Kolstov just three months ago – highlighting their time together as a couple in 2023 – with the pair having been together since 2021.
The two sports stars are seen kissing at a hockey game, training together at the gym and dancing on a boat with the caption: ‘Thank you 2023! See u soon 2024.’
Announcing their relationship three years ago, Sabalenka said: ‘It’s good when there is someone who is able to understand my madness. But you won’t get bored of me, right @Koltsov2021?’
Koltsov played for the Belarus hockey team at the Winter Olympics in 2002 and 2010 and also won the Russian Super League with Salavat Yulaev in 2018.
‘He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans,’ the Russian club said in a statement. ‘May he rest in peace.’