Konstantin Koltsov, boyfriend of Aryna Sabalenka, dies at 42

Konstantin Koltsov, a former Belarusian professional ice hockey player and boyfriend of tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, has died, Russian club Salavat Yulaev announced in a statement on Tuesday. He was 42 years old.

Koltsov played for the Belarusian national team in the 2002 and 2010 Olympics and spent parts of three seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2002 to 2006.

“It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the death of Salavat Yulaev coach Konstantin Koltsov,” Salavat Yulaev, based in the Russian city of Ufa, said in the statement. “He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues and fans. Konstantin Evgenievich was forever written in the history of our club.

“May he rest in peace.”

Renowned for his speed on the ice, Koltsov won the Russian Super League title with Salavat Yulaev in 2008 and most recently returned to the club as an assistant coach.

Sabalenka and Koltsov were first linked in June 2021, according to People magazine, and the world number 2 frequently posted photos of them together on her Instagram account.

Koltsov also applauded Sabalenka after the Belarusian won her second consecutive Australian Open title in January.

Sabalenka lost in the round of 16 at Indian Wells last week and is expected to play her first match at the Miami Open on Friday.