The Belarusian Konstantin Koltsov, former professional ice hockey player and boyfriend of tennis player Aryna Sabalenka – the number two in the world – has died at the age of 42, as announced this Tuesday in a statement by the Russian club Salavat Yulaev, of which Koltsov He was an assistant coach. Koltsov played for the Belarus national team in the 2002 and 2010 Olympic Games and was part of the Pittsburgh Penguins squad in the US National Hockey League (NHL) for three seasons – between 2002 and 2006. in English).
“It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Salavat Yulaev coach Konstantin Koltsov has passed away,” reads the statement from the Russian team, based in the city of Ufa. “He was a strong and happy person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues and fans. Konstantin is forever part of the history of our club. May he rest in peace,” he adds.
Known for his speed on the ice, Koltsov won the Russian Super League title with Salavat Yulaev in 2008 and recently returned to the club as an assistant coach.
In June 2021, according to the magazine People, the courtship between Koltsov and the number two in the world of tennis transcended. Sabalenka has frequently posted photos of them together on her Instagram account. “I love you @koltsov2021,” she wrote in a post that included hearts and other emojis. “Happy Birthday my love. You are my dearest person, my best friend and my greatest support. Peace be upon you, strength, patience and health,” he added in another message. “I hope we have everything we planned. I love you,” he noted in a third.
Sabalenka lost last week in the round of 16 at the Indian Wells Masters 1000 – a tournament that ended last Sunday – and was scheduled to play her first match at the Miami Masters 1000 this Friday.