Spanish tennis pro Paula Badosa said she has been in constant contact with best friend Aryna Sabalenka after Sabalenka’s boyfriend, former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov, died at the age of 42.
Koltsov died of an apparent suicide, according to the Miami-Dade Police Department, which said first responders were dispatched to the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami Beach for a male that jumped from a balcony Monday — and no foul play was suspected.
“I mean, I don’t want to talk about it,” Badosa said Tuesday, adding that she has frequently spoken with Sabalenka, whom she will face in the second round of the Miami Open on Friday.
“But, of course. As I said before, she’s one of my best friends.
Spanish tennis pro Paula Badosa (left) and her best friend, world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka. Instagram/Aryna Sabalenka Aryna Sabalenka and Konstantin Koltsov. Aryna Sabalenka / InstagramExplore More
“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. I’m going to stay like this. Sorry.”
Paula Badosa (L) and Aryna Sabalenka watch action in the Eisenhower Cup Tie Break Tens event featuring mixed doubles during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 5, 2024. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports Konstantin Koltsov of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2003 season. Getty ImagesThe world No. 2, Sabalenka, who had a first-round bye in the Miami Open, will play in the tournament but will not participate in press conferences, according to the Tennis Channel.
Sabalenka, 25, was practicing on a court Tuesday, as seen in video footage that surfaced on social media.
Badosa beat former world No. 1 Simona Halep, who returned from a doping ban, to reach the second round.
Koltsov’s death was confirmed by Russian club Salavat Yulaev, where he was an assistant coach.
“It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away,” Salavat Yulaev said in a statement, per Reuters.
“He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans. Konstantin Evgenievich forever wrote himself into the history of our club. May he rest in peace.”
Konstatin Koltsov of the Pittsburgh Penguins poses for a portrait on September 15, 2003 at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Getty Images Aryna Sabalenka and Konstantin Koltsov. Aryna Sabalenka / InstagramKoltsov played three seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins and appeared in 144 games from 2002-06.
The team also released a statement expressing its deepest condolences to the former forward’s family and friends.
Sabalenka and Koltsov were first linked in June 2021, according to People.
The two-time Australian Open winner previously posted photos of the couple on social media last year.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
