Aryna Sabalenka, the 25-year-old tennis star, is showing remarkable resilience as she gears up to compete in the Miami Open despite the recent tragic loss of her boyfriend, former ice hockey player Konstantin Koltsov.
Koltsov, who represented Belarus in multiple Winter Olympics and played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, passed away at the age of 42. Sabalenka, seeded second in the tournament, plans to enter at the second-round stage later this week after receiving a first-round bye.
Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, Sabalenka remains focused on her upcoming match against Spain’s Paula Badosa on Thursday or Friday. This determination echoes her dedication to the sport, as she previously fulfilled a shared dream with her late father, Sergey Sabalenka, by winning two Grand Slam titles before the age of 25.
Sergey, also a former ice hockey player, passed away in 2019 at the age of 43. The tragic loss of both her father and boyfriend underscores Sabalenka’s strength and resilience as she continues to pursue her tennis career.
