Aryna Sabalenka breaks rackets in Miami Open loss in second match since ex-partner's death
Aryna Sabalenka was sent crashing out of the Miami Open by Anhelina Kalinina.
Aryna Sabalenka is out of the Miami Open after suffering an upset defeat at the hands of Anhelina Kalinina in round three. The world No 2 was beaten 6-4 1-6 6-1 by her Ukrainian opponent in only her second match since the death of her ex-boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, earlier this week.
Sabalenka's former partner died on Monday in an apparent suicide after jumping from the balcony of a Miami hotel. It was initially believed that he had joined Sabalenka in the city as she prepared for the tournament but she later confirmed they were no longer together while reflecting on the 'unthinkable tragedy' of his death.
Wearing all-black as she has done throughout the week, Sabalenka was nowhere near her best against Kalinina and fell to a surprise defeat. Her frustrations were clear to see after the match, with the 25-year-old smashing her racket on the court several times in a moment of rage.
The emotional outburst was hardly surprising at the end of an emotional week for Sabalenka following the sudden death of her former partner. She issued a brief statement on Wednesday to say that her 'heart was broken' as a result of the tragedy but has otherwise stayed out of the limelight.
She wrote on Instagram: "Konstantin's death is an unthinkable tragedy, and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken. Please respect my privacy and his family's privacy during this difficult time."
Koltsov's death was confirmed on Tuesday morning, with the announcement sparking a wave of condolences from across the sporting world. Local police have since revealed that he died after jumping from a balcony and that 'no foul play' was suspected regarding the circumstances of his death.
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He made 144 appearances in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins during his ice hockey career and was most recently a coach at Russian club Salavat Yulaev. Sabalenka last posted about Koltsov on Instagram in April to wish him a happy birthday, calling him her 'best friend and strongest support'.
Salavat Yulaev broke the news of Koltsov's death with an official statement, which read: "It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away.
“He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans. Konstantin Evgenievich forever wrote himself into the history of our club. Koltsov won the Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup as part of Salavat Yulaev and did a great job on the team’s coaching staff. May his memory burn bright."