The members of the tennis community as well as the fans experienced a shock today as the news of Aryna Sabalenka‘s boyfriend’s demise broke out. The happy-go-lucky Belarusian star, who was enjoying a clear view of success this year with a massive victory at the Australian Open, is going through a major life loss.

As soon as the news spread, concerns over her Miami Open participation arose. Ready to turn the grave sorrow into her strength, the WTA star recently confirmed that she will be a part of the tournament. The Tennis Channel, who gave out the update on her entry in the tournament, also announced that besides her participation, she will not be attending any press conferences.

Aryna Sabalenka’s partner, Koltsov, was a famous ice hockey player. He played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL and represented Belarus in the Winter Olympics twice. However, he couldn’t secure a medal on his sporting journey, but his team finished fourth in 2002, marking an evident position.

The Russian ice hockey club Salavat Yulaev confirmed his death, saying, “We’re sad to share that Salavat Yulaev’s coach, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away.” Along with that, the club also remembered his brilliant presence, saying, “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.”

As the Australian Open champion is set to continue with her participation in the tournament, this not only shows her dedication towards the sport but also portrays a completely different side possessed by the Belarusian.

The end of everything that Aryna Sabalenka and Koltsov ‘have planned’

Aryna Sabalenka was quite open about her relationship with Konstantin Koltsov. Be it experiencing parenting adventures with his kids or sharing adorable moments of spending time together, the tennis star consistently shared updates of her love story on social media.

On Koltsov’s birthday this year, Sabalenka shared a post on Instagram that captured beautiful moments of the love birds together. Along with the snaps, the tennis star also expressed her feelings with a caption that said, “I love you @koltsov2021 Happy birthday, darling❤️🙈❤️HB❤️ You are my dearest person, my best friend and my strongest support❤️❤️ Peace of mind with me 🤪, strength, patience and health❤️❤️❤️ I hope that we will have everything that we have planned ❤️ love you 😘😘😘.”

As their love story comes to a completely unexpected and sad ending, it still remains to be seen if Sabalenka will be able to maintain her dominant form by saving herself from the control of her emotions.

ALSO READ: Aryna Sabalenka’s Boyfriend’s Team Officially Confirms His Death With a Soul-Stirring Note