Belarusian ex-professional ice hockey player Konstantin Koltsov, who was dating tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 42, according to a statement from Russian team Salavat Yulaev.
Koltsov competed for Belarus in the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics and also had stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League from 2002 to 2006.
“We regret to inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away,” stated the organization, based in Ufa. “He was a resilient and joyful individual, deeply adored and esteemed by players, coworkers, and supporters. Konstantin Evgenievich will always be remembered in the legacy of our club. May he rest in eternal peace.”
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Famous for his quickness on the ice, Koltsov achieved victory in the Russian Super League with Salavat Yulaev in 2008 and has since come back to the team as an assistant coach.
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According to People magazine, Sabalenka and Koltsov’s relationship began in June 2021. The world No 2 often shares pictures of them together on her Instagram, including a post where she expressed her love for Koltsov and wished him a happy birthday. She described him as her closest companion, strongest supporter, and wished him peace, strength, patience, and good health. She also mentioned their future plans together.
Koltsov praised Sabalenka for winning her second consecutive Australian Open championship in January. After reaching the last 16 at Indian Wells, Sabalenka is slated to compete in her first match at the Miami Open on Friday.
