Inside Aryna Sabalenka's relationship with her 'dearest person' Konstantin Koltsov in wake of his tragic suicide: A start troubled by claims of 'husband-stealing', dreams of being an 'amazing step-mum' and flashy gifts and trips
- 42-year-old was confirmed to have died 'by apparent suicide' by police in Miami
- Sabalenka and her boyfriend had been together for nearly three years
- Koltsov's death comes five years after world No 2 lost her father at a similar age
The tennis world is reeling after news broke that Konstantin Koltsov, long-time partner of two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, died in the early hours of Tuesday morning in an 'apparent suicide' at an upscale Miami hotel.
As shocking as news of the former ice hockey star's death was, particularly after early reports in Belarusian media stated that the 42-year-old had died of an suspected detached blood clot, it is made all the more heart-wrenching in light of the very public relationship he had with the 25-year-old tennis star.
Content to share the strength of their bond with followers on social media sites and in interviews, followers of the world number two felt privy to the love she held for her boyfriend, and vice versa, treated to images and clips of a steady stream of gifts, shared trips, and romantic declarations.
Here, Mail Sport takes a look at Sabalenka and Koltsov's three-year partnership, cut tragically short.
While many accounts first began to link Sabalenka with her new boyfriend in June 2021, over a year earlier, the former ice hockey player's ex-wife had thrown a very public, very sharply-angled curveball disputing the theory, when she appeared to implicate the other woman in the breakdown of her marriage.
![Aryna Sabalenka's boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov died of 'apparent suicide' in Miami on Tuesday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82677095-13218387-image-a-40_1710935569777.jpg)
Aryna Sabalenka's boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov died of 'apparent suicide' in Miami on Tuesday
![The pair are believed to have been dating since 2021 and frequently shared pictures of time spent together](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82677063-13218387-image-a-41_1710935572707.jpg)
The pair are believed to have been dating since 2021 and frequently shared pictures of time spent together
![Two weeks ago Koltsov paid tribute to the two-time Australian Open champion on International Women's Day, writing: 'Happy holiday love - I love you madly'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82677091-13218387-image-m-42_1710935575496.jpg)
![Two weeks ago Koltsov paid tribute to the two-time Australian Open champion on International Women's Day, writing: 'Happy holiday love - I love you madly'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82677093-13218387-image-a-43_1710935580346.jpg)
Two weeks ago Koltsov paid tribute to the two-time Australian Open champion on International Women's Day, writing: 'Happy holiday love - I love you madly'
Koltsov and Julija had first met in the United States during his time featuring in the NHL, and shared three children - Daniel, Alexander, and Stefan, less than a year old at the time of their April 2020 separation.
In a post shared announcing their parting, Julija opened a photo-montage with a picture of her and her soon-to-be ex-husband kissing - with a barbed addition alongside a caption which decried 'girls who are hanging onto people's husbands'.
'And now we will see who reads the posts (wink-face emoji, relief-laugh emoji) We live in a world of social networks and too many questions have accumulated... This will be the last photo with him on my insta where we are together and where we were insanely happy!!! (heart emoji)' Julija wrote.
'Pretty much our marriage is about to be a damn dozen. And we broke up. (Broken heart emoji) Our family couldn't survive a year without Constantine's work, a baby (respectively sleepless nights and tiredness (saddened emoji)) and coronavirus (feverish emoji) It happens... And it hurts. For some partners anyway! That's it! (Konstantin has his own Instagram) I ask you to write to him directly now (relief-laugh emoji, wink emoji) and yes - we broke up - so we moved away! (this should explain the new apartment)
![Koltsov's ex-wife Julija appeared to indict Sabalenka in the breakdown of her marriage, tagging the star in a post sharing her separation](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82637881-13218387-image-a-36_1710935498360.jpg)
Koltsov's ex-wife Julija appeared to indict Sabalenka in the breakdown of her marriage, tagging the star in a post sharing her separation
![The former couple share three sons - Daniel, Alexander, and Stefan, who are based in Florida with their mother](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82677069-13218387-image-a-44_1710935597736.jpg)
The former couple share three sons - Daniel, Alexander, and Stefan, who are based in Florida with their mother
![Julija (pictured) is now based in Miami, where she works as a South Florida real estate agent](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/12/82681159-13218387-image-a-84_1710937369432.jpg)
Julija (pictured) is now based in Miami, where she works as a South Florida real estate agent
'And an appeal to all the girls who are hanging on other people's husbands with children in the family!!! This is mean !!!! This is the most amazing and the happiest time, but at the same time the most difficult, because a small child takes a lot of energy, energy and time... Maybe someday you'll be there too...'
Julija then tagged Sabalenka's Instagram account on Koltsov's back in an apparent accusation of the then-21-year-old's role in ending her marriage.
Koltsov was quick to defend Sabalenka in his own post, writing that fans should leave the tennis player alone.
'I’m unaccustomed to such attention to my life... Welcome! Do you want to help with something?' Koltsov retorted. 'I am firmly convinced that I am able to sort out my personal life on my own. Thank you for your attention.
'PS We kindly ask you, people, if you are people, to leave Aryna Sabalenka, who has nothing to do with this, alone! This is a wonderful person and athlete who does not deserve universal wrath. Hope for understanding.'
While it is unclear when the relationship might have started, as per Belarusian media outlet Tribuna, the two Belarusian athletes were both attendees at the opening of a restaurant in Minsk in December 2020 in the city's Olympic Park complex, alongside other sportstars and the country's autocratic premier Alexander Lukashenko.
![The former Pittsburg Penguins player made his first appearance courtside as Sabalenka faced Coco Gauff at the 2021 Italian Open in Rome](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82677067-13218387-image-a-45_1710935605667.jpg)
The former Pittsburg Penguins player made his first appearance courtside as Sabalenka faced Coco Gauff at the 2021 Italian Open in Rome
![A week later, the pair shared photos of themselves as a couple for the first time on Instagram](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82677065-13218387-image-a-46_1710935609454.jpg)
A week later, the pair shared photos of themselves as a couple for the first time on Instagram
![Koltsov was a de facto member of Sabalenka's coaching team and a frequent supporter on tour](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82677061-13218387-image-a-47_1710935612461.jpg)
Koltsov was a de facto member of Sabalenka's coaching team and a frequent supporter on tour
Needless to say, neither Koltsov nor Sabalenka ever felt the need to clarify for the curious the specific timeline of their partnership, but a year after the fracas, it was public, with Koltsov featuring in Sabalenka's player seating at the Italian Open in Rome and the French Open a few weeks later.
The pair also shared pictures of themselves together for the first time, sparking what would become a regular pattern of comfortable public affection.
'Most people judge people from the media,' Koltsov said underneath their first picture as a couple on his Instagram account. 'And if you look at Aryna Sabalenka only from this angle, you get the impression that she is a very aggressive and powerful person on the court with a lot of emotions! (But they love her for it).
'Have you ever seen an interview with Aryna without her beautiful smile and happy look? No! But... She is an incredibly gentle, vulnerable, loving, and worried person whom it is impossible not to love! It is impossible not to love her!!! (red heart emojis).'
Sabalenka has been similarly demonstrative during their three-year relationship, and in April 2023, shared a touching birthday tribute video with a moving caption that called him her 'dearest person, best friend, and strongest support'.
![In 2022, Sabalenka captured snaps of bouquets Koltsov had sent to her hotel in New York (left)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82677057-13218387-image-a-54_1710935686593.jpg)
![He frequently sent her flowers](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82677055-13218387-image-m-53_1710935677239.jpg)
In 2022, Sabalenka captured snaps of bouquets Koltsov had sent to her hotel in New York (left)
![This Valentine's Day saw Sabalenka receive a Cartier necklace with a nod to her 'Tiger' moniker](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82677059-13218387-image-a-55_1710935695144.jpg)
This Valentine's Day saw Sabalenka receive a Cartier necklace with a nod to her 'Tiger' moniker
![The couple often travelled together despite Koltsov being based in Russia due to his coaching](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82677099-13218387-image-a-56_1710935704274.jpg)
The couple often travelled together despite Koltsov being based in Russia due to his coaching
While Koltsov was nominally based in Belarus and Russia due to his assistant coaching commitments first with Spartak Moscow, the Belarusian national team, and then with Salavat Yulaev Ufa, he was a regular traveller on the WTA and an all-but-official member of Sabalenka's coaching team.
But in his absence, he would send flowers - with Sabalenka more often than not sharing pictures of the bouquets sent to impersonal hotel rooms around the world.
His generosity also translated to Valentine's Day gifts, this year surprising the former world number one with a particularly thoughtful piece of jewelry.
Sabalenka has long been referred to as the 'Tiger' due to her recognisable forearm tattoo - which she had completed much to the horror of her mother Yulia, who wouldn't speak to her for a week afterwards - and Koltsov gave a nod to the nickname with his purchase of a big-cat shaped Cartier pendant.
'Valentine's Day was quite successful for me,' Sabalenka noted playfully via her Instagram story. 'But not for Konstantin.'
By far the most significant public display of affection came just a few months earlier in December 2023, and involved the secret machinations of one of Sabalenka's closest friends on the circuit, Paula Badosa.
![The pair were known to share personal heartfelt messages to one another on social media sites](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/12/82677097-13218387-image-a-71_1710936570528.jpg)
The pair were known to share personal heartfelt messages to one another on social media sites
![Sabalenka was having dinner with Paula Badosa](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82680351-13218387-image-m-67_1710935860087.jpg)
![Koltsov flew to Dubai to surprise his girlfriend](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82680353-13218387-image-m-70_1710935878970.jpg)
In December, Koltsov surprised Sabalenka in Dubai (right) while she was having dinner with her close friend Paula Badosa (left)
In Dubai for the first iteration of the World Tennis League as part of Novak Djokovic's Team Falcons, the pair were enjoying dinner together when Koltsov made an unexpected appearance at the restaurant in a move that his girlfriend dubbed: 'The best surprise of my life'.
Away from social media, the pair were equally close, with Sabalenka already mulling the possibility of becoming stepmother to his three children.
Koltsov and his ex-wife divorced over two years ago in Miami, where Julija has settled and works as a real estate agent, and the family's new base in Florida chimed with his new reality too, with Sabalenka also owning property in the area.
As a result, Sabalenka appeared to be becoming close to his children, particularly his youngest, five-year-old Stefan. The Grand Slam winner was responding to questions from her followers when asked if she thought she would be 'an amazing step-mother'.
'I don't know,' Sabalenka responded. 'I guess yes (laugh-cry emojis).
'Stefan loves me,' she added, sharing a picture of the child kissing her forehead. 'Koltsovs love me (laugh-cry emojis)'.
Sabalenka's good relationship with Koltsov's children was confirmed by Julija in the wake of his death on Wednesday, with his ex-wife quick to stress that the paid had a 'normal' relationship.
'Nice girl,' Julija added. 'I loved Konstantin very much, but Sabalenka treated my children well, so I have a normal attitude towards her.'
On-court too, it was evident that Koltsov was an important piece in Sabalenka's match-winning puzzle, with the player acknowledging the significance of having his support in the stands after making the semi-finals in Stuttgart in April last year.
![Sabalenka had previously shared pictures of herself in the stepmother role with Koltsov's youngest son Stefan](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82677051-13218387-image-a-57_1710935720641.jpg)
Sabalenka had previously shared pictures of herself in the stepmother role with Koltsov's youngest son Stefan
![The former world number one said that she 'guessed' she might be a good stepmother when answering questions from her followers](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82679691-13218387-image-m-61_1710935744363.jpg)
![Sabalenka said loyally that she believed Koltsov was 'better than anybody else'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/03/20/11/82679689-13218387-image-a-62_1710935751323.jpg)
The former world number one said that she 'guessed' she might be a good stepmother when answering questions from her followers
'His support is very important,' she told reporters in her post-match press conference. 'Couple of times today on the match I was looking at him, and I saw him being very nervous.
I was, like, "No, I have to win this one". I don't want see him, I don't know, sad and thinking that it's his fault that I lost because he came,' she added teasingly.
'So I was just pushing myself even harder to win this match.'
When Sabalenka returns to court action on Friday at the Miami Open, it will be with one fewer supporter in the stands. But the seismic loss of her partner will surely be felt across all aspects of her life
For support call Samaritans on 116123 in the UK or visit www.samaritans.org or www.thecalmzone.net/get-support, or call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on 988 in the US.