Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has bravely shared her experiences with grief following two significant losses: the death of her father, Sergey Sabalenka, and the recent passing of her former partner, Konstantin Koltsov. In a candid interview with Vogue for their May 2026 digital cover, Sabalenka reflected on these tragedies and how they have shaped her both personally and professionally.
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Konstantin Koltsov, a former professional ice hockey player, died in March 2024 under circumstances described as an “apparent suicide.” The heartbreaking news reached Sabalenka while she was practicing on the tennis courts in Miami, where she was approached by police on March 18. “I was fighting with the cop — like, I couldn’t accept it,” Sabalenka recounted in the interview, indicating the shock and disbelief she felt in that moment.
Shortly after learning of Koltsov’s death, Sabalenka returned to competition within days at the Miami Open. However, her performance resulted in an early exit in the third round, where she faced defeat against Ukrainian player Anhelina Kalinina. The release of her emotions was evident when she smashed her racket, and her subsequent cancellation of the press conference led to an outpouring of criticism online for returning to the sport so soon after the tragedy.
In her interview, Sabalenka discussed the complexities of grief, emphasising that there is no prescribed way to mourn. “I don’t know if there’s any cliché about how you’re supposed to grieve,” she stated. “For me, going back to work is the only way.” Despite being only 28, Sabalenka reflected on the many milestones she has already achieved and how overwhelming the loss of those she loved has been.
Sabalenka’s father unexpectedly passed away from meningitis in 2019, a loss she has carried with her throughout her career. The tight-knit relationship she had with her father made his absence particularly challenging to bear. Now, she often thinks about how proud he would be of her accomplishments. “People say that time helps, but in some ways I struggle more now because I know how much fun my dad would be having with my success,” she shared, later expressing feelings of nostalgia and sorrow while grappling with past memories.
Her fiancé, Georgios Frangulis, supports her during these difficult moments, although Sabalenka admits that her grief can be overwhelming. “Nowadays my fiancé will find me crying in bed in the evening because I’m watching Reels and there’s something about a father, or old times,” she said, noting how reminders of familial bonds often bring forth an emotional response.
In her reflections, the professional athlete expressed her appreciation for those who maintain close relationships with their families. Watching other players with their fathers on tour serves as a poignant reminder of what she has lost. “There are so many fathers on tour, and when I see a healthy relationship and a proud dad, I think, ‘Girl, just enjoy it, because you never know what’s coming. You’re so lucky,’” Sabalenka remarked.
Sabalenka has previously spoken about her commitment to honouring her father’s memory and her promise to her family to excel in tennis. After winning her third Grand Slam title at the US Open in September 2024, she reiterated her dedication by stating, “After I lost my father, it’s always been my goal to put our family name in the history of tennis.” This drive is deeply rooted in her desire to succeed not only for herself but as a tribute to her family, who have supported her on her journey.
As she navigates her grief, Sabalenka’s determination to continue pushing forward in her career remains evident. The emotional weight of her experiences serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing those we hold dear.
For those grappling with similar struggles, Sabalenka’s openness may inspire others to seek support and find their own paths through grief. The Tennis star exemplifies resilience and vulnerability, using her platform to highlight important conversations surrounding mental health and loss.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or crises, please reach out to reliable resources such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or similar organisations that provide assistance.