Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has shared how the sport served as a crucial lifeline, helping her navigate profound grief and avoid succumbing to depression following the death of her former partner, Konstantin Koltsov. Koltsov, a former NHL player and fellow Belarusian, died in March 2024 at the age of 42 from an apparent suicide. Sabalenka, who was no longer in a relationship with Koltsov at the time of his death, found herself practicing tennis near Miami just as the devastating news broke.
Tennis as a Coping Mechanism
Despite the immense personal tragedy, Sabalenka made the difficult decision to continue competing in the Miami Open. This choice drew criticism from some observers on social media, who questioned her participation so soon after Koltsov’s passing. However, in a candid interview with Time Magazine, Sabalenka revealed that her immersion in tennis was a deliberate strategy to cope with her grief.
“Tennis really saved me from depression,” Sabalenka stated in the interview for the magazine’s September cover issue. “I was just trying to focus on training, just so I spend less time with myself in my thoughts. I would cry in practice a lot. It was a very tough moment in my life.”
Her coach, Anton Dubrov, had initially suggested she take time off following the devastating news. However, Sabalenka felt that the structure and demands of her sport provided the necessary escape from her overwhelming emotions.
The Tragic Circumstances of Koltsov’s Death
Konstantin Koltsov’s death occurred when he fell from the balcony of a Miami five-star hotel. Authorities are treating the incident as an apparent suicide. The profound shock of the event was compounded by the fact that police officers approached Sabalenka on the tennis courts during a practice session to deliver the news just before the Miami tournament.
Recalling the immediate aftermath, Sabalenka had previously shared with Vogue that she struggled to process the loss, describing it as a period where she was “fighting” with the reality of the heartbreaking news.
Navigating Grief and Competition
Days after Koltsov’s death, Sabalenka competed in the Miami Open, defeating close friend Paula Badosa before being eliminated in the Round of 32 by Ukrainian player Anhelina Kalinina. Sabalenka reflected on the complexities of grief, telling Vogue in May, “I feel like in this situation, there is no right and wrong. We all need different things. For me, going back to work is the only way.” She added, “I’m 28, but sometimes I think I’ve had everything in life that you could imagine.”
Sabalenka has since found personal happiness, becoming engaged to Brazilian entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis in March of this year. Frangulis has been a supportive presence, with coach Dubrov noting to Time Magazine how Frangulis actively sought input on how best to support Sabalenka’s career and well-being during this period. “He was always asking us, ‘What do you think, guys? Should I be at practice? Should I be at the matches?’ Sometimes relationships can be not helpful. But he was asking, ‘What do you think would be the best for her?'” Dubrov commented.
A History of Personal Loss
This is not the first time Sabalenka has faced profound personal loss. In 2019, she experienced another devastating blow when her father passed away suddenly from meningitis at the age of 43. Her father had been instrumental in introducing her to tennis at the age of six, driving her past empty courts and sparking her interest. He had been a promising hockey player himself before a career-ending car accident at 19, and he instilled his own athletic ambitions in his daughter.
The loss of her father during the sport’s offseason in November 2019 was another deeply challenging period for the young athlete, forcing her to confront bereavement while navigating the demands of her professional career.
Seeking Support for Mental Health
The experiences of loss and grief can be overwhelming. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts, resources are available to provide confidential support. In the US, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 at any time. An online chat service is also available at 988lifeline.org.
