Former Pittsburgh Penguins star Konstantin Koltsov confirmed dead by current club's Salavat Yulaev, Aryna Sabalenka left to mourn boyfriend five years after father's death
Konstantin Koltsov, a former professional ice hockey player and girlfriend of tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, has died at the age of 42.
The forward was drafted into the NHL in 1999 and played parts of three seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2002 to 2006, representing Belarus at the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics. He was nicknamed “Russian Rocket II'' because of his similar playing style to Pavel Bure, but retired in 2016.
He played for Russian club Salavat Yulaev, winning the Russian Super League title in 2008, before returning as an assistant coach. Said released a statement regarding his death. “With deep sadness we announce the passing of Konstantin Koltsov, coach of Salavat Yulaev. He was a strong and cheerful person, loved and respected by his players, colleagues and fans. Konstantin Evgeni Evic” forever etched his name in the history of our club. May you rest in peace.”
Koltsov and Sabalenka were first linked in 2021, when the former appeared on the two-time Australian Open champions' social media channels. The former ice hockey star was in attendance to celebrate his partner's recent match Down Under in 2024, where the Belarusian star defeated Zheng Qinwen in straight sets.
The tragic news comes five years after Sabalenka's father Sergei passed away suddenly at the age of 43. Sabalenka, 25, paid tribute to his late father by blowing a kiss to the air after his success at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena. Year.
Sabalenka posted a memorial in April 2023 to celebrate her partner's birthday. “I love you @koltsov2021,” she wrote in a post accompanied by a series of photos and videos of the couple.
“Happy birthday, my love. You are my beloved, my best friend and my strongest support. May you have peace, strength, patience and health. I love you and I hope everything you had was coming true.”
Sabalenka was scheduled to play in the Miami Open after losing in the last 16 at Indian Wells last week. The 25-year-old is now expected to withdraw from the tournament and has reportedly been removed from the official training schedule.