Aryna Sabalenka Will Compete Against Friend, Paula Badosa

Within 48 hours following her partner, ice hockey player Konstantin Koltsov, taking his own life, Aryna Sabalenka began training in Miami.

The second-ranked player in the world had recently broken up with her boyfriend after reportedly jumping off a balcony, according to police reports. However, in a remarkable display of mental toughness, the Belarusian will play her “best friend” on the circuit, Paula Badosa of Spain, in the second round of the WTA 1000 Miami.

The 26-year-old Spanish player, Badosa, showed a great deal of empathy when asked about her buddy Aryna Sabalenka, predicament following her victory over Simona Halep.

To the media, Badosa stated,

“I would like to clarify that I am not interested in discussing it.” “But naturally. She is among my best friends, as I have stated. We spoke extensively yesterday. That’s what happened this morning.” “I understand her situation, therefore. I am aware of everything that is happening. Being my best friend, I don’t want her to suffer, therefore going through that with her is also a little shocking to me. It’s a really difficult scenario.” “Since I stated I wasn’t going to talk about it, I really don’t want to. I made a vow to my best friend. I’m not changing. Please accept my apology.”

How did Koltsov end up?

Born in the Soviet Union of Belarus, Kolsov was 42 years old when he passed away in Miami, Florida. The Miami-Dade Police determined that Kolsov’s death was likely due to suicide after he fell off a balcony in Bal Harbor.

The former NFL player reportedly leaped, however a toxicology result is still pending. Argemis Colome released a statement saying, “The Miami-Dade Police Department, Homicide Bureau, responded and has taken over the investigation of the apparent suicide of Mr. Konstantin Koltsov.” “There’s no suspicion of foul play.”

The loss of a loved one caused Koltsov’s club, who was the assistant coach for the Kontinental Hockey League at the time, to react with a flood of tears.

The club issued the following statement: “Players, teammates, and supporters all liked and appreciated him for being a strong, happy guy. The history of our club will always bear the mark left by Konstantin Evgenievich.”