World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka continues her preparations for the upcoming Clay season. The Belarusian last featured at the 2024 Miami Open amid a heart-shattering loss. A day before the tournament was set to begin, Sabalenka’s ex-boyfriend Konstantin Kolstov passed away in mysterious circumstances.
While the cause of his demise wasn’t initially made public, rumors started floating around a possible suicide. A couple of days later, Kolstov’s ex-wife Julia made a public statement claiming it was an accident. Sabalenka took her time before addressing the tragedy and eventually called for some privacy and space.
She however also hinted at having broken up with Kolstov at the time of his death. Her only request was skipping the press conference and the tournament officials agreed to it. She defeated best friend Paula Badosa in the second round but her run was short-lived.
She was taken down by Anhelina Kalinina in the third round, however. With the focus now shifting completely toward the clay season, the reigning Australian Open champ is sweating it out in the gym. She is likely to make her clay debut for the season at the 2024 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart.
The Belarusian was the runner-up at the WTA-500 event last year losing to defending champ and World No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the finals. With the tournament nearly a fortnight away, Sabalenka isn’t holding back in practice.
She recently posted a montage on her Instagram account showing her undergoing various drills. She was seen in a pink-colored sleeveless top and black shorts with white shoes as she completed her workout.
When did Aryna Sabalenka and Konstantin Kolstov break up?
While Sabalenka‘s video showed her working out, her loyal fans sent their love and prayers for her in this difficult time. Whether she was in a relationship with Kolstov or not during the time of his passing, it surely affected her having spent more than three years with him.
As per many reports, Kolstov was in Miami to mend things with the World No. 2 despite having gone separate ways. At the same time, Sabalenka reportedly flew into Miami with someone else who’s being claimed to be the new boyfriend of the two-time singles Major winner.
The Belarusian has refused to address this so far. The news was further fuelled by her innocent mistake during an interview in Indian Wells when she mistakenly said ‘boyfriends’ instead of boyfriend.
I think the toughest moment is like when you are really feeling down, you are not feeling great, you are not playing great level and you are away from your family, from your friends, boyfriends. No, I have only one guys. I wish, I wish. said Sabalenka, during her interview in Indian Wells.
While she did not mention the name of her boyfriend, many believe she would have broken up with Kolstov a while ago. Although the former ice hockey player had put out a congratulatory message for her after she retained the Australian Open title, that was one of the last social media posts by the couple.
Given the big loss, it is only natural that Sabalenka will take her time to be ready to face the questions of the media. Having been a frank person, she won’t shy away from addressing her relationship with Kolstov, but she should be allowed time to speak only when she is comfortable.