Aryna Sabalenka Shares How She Got Through the ‘Tough’ Aftermath of Her Ex-Boyfriend’s Apparent Death by Suicide

Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has recently opened up about her struggles with grief and the impact of loss on her life and career. In an interview for her cover story in TIME, published on 13 August 2023, the four-time Grand Slam champion discussed the profound effects of losing her ex-boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, who tragically died from an apparent suicide in March 2024, at the age of 42.

Sabalenka, now 28, disclosed that she received the devastating news while preparing for the Miami Open. The former professional ice hockey player’s death came just five years after the unexpected passing of her father, Sergey Sabalenka, who succumbed to meningitis in 2019. The dual losses have left a significant impact on her emotional wellbeing, compounded by the experiences she has had navigating both public scrutiny and private pain.

When Koltsov’s death was communicated to her by Miami police while she was training on the court, her immediate reaction was one of disbelief. “I was fighting with the cop — like, I couldn’t accept it,” she recounted. Following the tragic news, her current coach, Anton Dubrov, recommended that she take a break from tennis to grieve. However, Sabalenka found solace in the sport, stating, “Tennis really saved me from depression.” In her view, immersing herself in training allowed her to escape her thoughts, despite often breaking down during practice sessions.

Despite experiencing overwhelming grief, Sabalenka chose to compete shortly after Koltsov’s death, participating in the Miami Open. However, she faced mixed reactions to her return. After being eliminated in the third round by Ukrainian player Anhelina Kalinina, Sabalenka’s frustration boiled over, leading her to smash her racket and cancel a scheduled press conference. This incident sparked criticism, with some questioning her decision to return so quickly after such a personal tragedy.

“I don’t know if there’s any cliché about how you’re supposed to grieve,” Sabalenka reflected. “In this situation, there is no right and wrong. We all need different things. For me, going back to work is the only way.” This statement encapsulates her approach to managing grief—finding a path that feels authentic to her own experience.

The tennis star’s reflections on loss also highlight the lingering impact of her father’s death. Sabalenka shared that while people often say time heals, she feels a more profound struggle now because she is acutely aware of what she has lost. “I know how much fun my dad would be having with my success,” she remarked. The bond she shared with her father deeply influenced both her personal and professional life, making his absence all the more poignant.

In her candid revelations, Sabalenka also expressed those moments of vulnerability that arise unexpectedly. “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 shared. The emotional weight of seeing families rejoice in their children’s accomplishments often becomes overwhelming for her, leading to emotional outbursts as she imagines what her father’s reaction would have been to her victories.

As Sabalenka navigates her career, she continues to witness the close relationships many of her peers share with their parents, which highlights her own loss. “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,” she said, reflecting on the fragility of life and the unpredictability of loss.

In sharing her story, Sabalenka hopes to shed light on the complexities of grief and the importance of finding individual ways to cope. Her journey underscores the reality that loss affects everyone differently and serves as a reminder of the powerful link between personal experiences and the world of sport.