Aryna Sabalenka’s partner Konstantin Koltsov ‘likely very drunk’ as he fell from 23rd floor of 5-star hotel says ex-wife
Sabalenka's next opponent has spoken ahead of their meeting on Friday
KONSTANTIN KOLTSOV “was very likely drunk” when he died in Miami on Monday, claims his ex-wife.
The former ice hockey star, who was dating Aryna Sabalenka, died aged 42 after falling from a hotel balcony.
Local police have ruled Koltsov’s death an “apparent suicide” and have ruled out “foul play”.
The Belarusian had been dating Sabalenka since 2021.
He previously had three children with ex-wife Julija Mikhailova.
Speaking to Belarusian press, Julija claimed that Koltsov did not show signs of wanting to end his life.
She told local outlet : “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, where Sabalenka is set to play the Miami Open.
As it stands the world No2 still intends to play the tournament, and is set to face close friend Paula Badosa on Friday.
Koltsov had three children with ex Julija; Daniel, 18, Alexander, 16, and Stefan, five.
On Sabalenka, Julija added: “Nice girl. I loved Konstantin very much, but Sabalenka treated my children well, so I have a normal attitude towards her.”
The 25-year-old is a two-time grand slam champion, having defended her Australian Open title in January.
She became world No1 for the first time last September after reaching the US Open final.
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In 2019 she lost her father Sergey, also a former ice hockey player, aged 43.
She 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.”
Ahead of her 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.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
