The tennis community was left stunned on Tuesday following the confirmation of Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend’s passing away. Konstantin Kostlov was a former Belarus international and NHL ice hockey player aged 42 who passed in Miami.
Koltsov accompanied Sabalenka to various tournaments since their relationship became public in 2021. Sabalenka regularly posted messages about him on social media as well.
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Despite the tragic news, the reigning Australian Open winner’s team confirmed her intention to play at this week’s WTA 1000 event. She was seen practicing at the event on Tuesday.
And as luck would have it, she will face her good friend Badosa in the second round. The Spaniard came from behind to defeat Simona Halep 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in their opening encounter.
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Paula Badosa’s Thoughts on Sabalenka’s Loss and Upcoming Match
Sabalenka hasn’t issued any statements by herself yet about the passing of her partner. However, Paula Badosa was asked for her thoughts on the situation. She admitted that the match will be “uncomfortable”, but didn’t share too much as she had made a promise to her friend.
“I don’t want to talk about it. But of course. As I said before, she’s one of my best friends. Yesterday I spoke with her a lot of time. This morning the same. So I know what she’s going through,” she said at a press conference.
The former world No 2 added: “I know the entire situation, what is happening. That for me is a little bit shocking also to go through that because at the end she’s my best friend and I don’t want her to suffer. It’s a very tough situation.”
“At the same point playing against her, it’s also uncomfortable. Yeah, but I don’t really want to talk about it because I said I’m not going to talk about it. She’s my best friend and I promised that.”
The match between Sabalenka and the Spaniard is scheduled for Friday. The 26-year-old is confident that the two-time Grand Slam winner Belarusian will find “power” to get through the encounter.
“I know what she’s going through. Honestly, for me hasn’t been easy, too,” Badosa said.
“I really don’t know what to say, honestly. She’s a strong woman. I think she will get the power from somewhere. I hope it’s going to be a battle, a good match, and let’s see.”
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