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‘Shock Is the Biggest Word I Can Think Of’- Aryna Sabalenka Continues to Receive Support From Tennis Fraternity After Ex-boyfriend’s Death

Published 03/23/2024, 2:39 PM EDT

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Tennis players are relentlessly lending support to Aryna Sabalenka who recently lost her former beau Konstantin Koltsov. Among the players who came forward with their solidarity-filled condolences was Jill Craybas. The ex-tennis pro reckons that the disturbing departure might unsettle the top-seeded player.

Sabalenka and Koltsov had dated for so long that the connection remained strong. This perhaps explains why the star became inconsolable over the departure and requested her fans to respect her privacy during her traumatic time. But then, the support of her fraternity has brought her back to the court.

Jill Craybas explains Aryna Sabalenka’s loss

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During the podcast episode of Tennis Channel Inside In, Jill Craybas touched slightly on the topic of the death of Konstantin Koltsov who was a longtime boyfriend of Aryna Sabalenka. He was aged 42 and died of a fall from his balcony.

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Craybas talked mostly about how shocking this incident might be for Sabalenka. She added, “I was shocked when I saw the news on social media. I think shock is the biggest word that I can think of and I can’t even imagine what his family, Aryna, and the whole team are going through. Just our thoughts are with everybody that surrounds them.”

Even her best friend, Paula Badosa shared how difficult this time is for Sabalenka. She shared in a news conference, “I know the entire situation, what is happening. That, for me, is a little bit shocking also to go through because in the end she’s my best friend and I don’t want her to suffer. It’s a very tough situation. I know what she’s going through.”

Another tennis player Caroline Wozniacki also stated how depressing the situation might be for Sabalenka. Wozniacki added, “I can’t even imagine what she’s going through right now. I’m saying that. 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.”

After a few days of silence, Aryna Sabalenka also shared her statement on her official Instagram account.

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Aryna Sabalenka talks about her “unthinkable tragedy”

Amid mourning, Aryna Sabalenka issued a statement for her fans. In one of her Instagram stories, Sabalenka added, “Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy, and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken. Please respect my privacy and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”

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However, despite the difficult news, Aryna Sabalenka continued her journey in the Miami Open tournament where she had to face her off-court best friend Paula Badosa. Even though she was highly affected by this tragic news, she continued to win the match against Badosa in the first 2 sets.

To comfort her best friend, Paula Badosa also hugged Aryna Sabalenka after the match despite losing against her. Truly, a friend in need is a friend indeed!

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Written by:

Ishmeet Kaur

707Articles

One take at a time

Ishmeet Kaur, our versatile tennis writer at EssentiallySports, ditched the corporate world's allure for her overpowering love for the sport. Ishmeet brings a seasoned perspective to the court with over eight years of content creation, starting in 2014. Drawn to tennis for its sheer entertainment value, she crafts engaging off-court entertainment pieces and informative articles with equal finesse.
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Edited by:

Deepanshi Bajaj