World No 1 tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has revealed that continuing to play tennis saved her from depression following the death of her ex-boyfriend.
The Belarusian star's former partner, former National Hockey League player Konstantin Koltsov, died aged 42 from an apparent suicide in Miami in March 2024.
Sabalenka, 28, is currently the top-ranked female player in the world on the WTA Tour. Her former partner Koltsov was a professional ice hockey player who represented Belarus at the Winter Olympics and played in North America's NHL.
Speaking in an interview for the September cover issue of Time Magazine, Sabalenka explained that immersing herself in training was her primary coping mechanism while grieving.
Sabalenka revealed that her coach, Anton Dubrov, had suggested she take time off from tennis in the wake of the devastation, but she insisted that the sport was her escape.
"Tennis really saved me from depression," Sabalenka told the outlet. "I was just trying to focus on training, just so I spend less time with myself in my thoughts. I would cry in practice a lot. It was a very tough moment in my life."
Tragedy in Miami
Koltsov died after falling from a 23rd-floor balcony at a five-star hotel in Miami, Florida. At the time, Sabalenka was no longer in a relationship with the hockey player, but she was practising nearby ahead of the Miami Open tournament.
Police officers approached Sabalenka on the courts during a practice session ahead of the event to inform her of Koltsov's death. She previously told Vogue magazine that she was "fighting" with the officers as she struggled to come to terms with the loss.
Despite the tragedy, Sabalenka decided to continue competing at the tournament. Her decision to keep playing was met with reproach on social media and dismay among several of her friends.
Days after Koltsov's death, Sabalenka defeated her close friend, Spanish player Paula Badosa, in her opening match before being eliminated by Ukrainian player Anhelina Kalinina in the Round of 32.
Addressing her decision to play, Sabalenka told Vogue in May that there was no standard formula for grief. "I feel like in this situation, there is no right and wrong," she said. "We all need different things. For me, going back to work is the only way. I'm 28, but sometimes I think I've had everything in life that you could imagine."
New Engagement and Support
Sabalenka has since become engaged to Brazilian entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis, who proposed to her in March this year.
Her coach Dubrov praised Frangulis for his supportive role within her team during her recovery. "He was really supportive and really helpful for the team," Dubrov told Time Magazine. "He was always asking us, 'What do you think, guys? Should I be at practice? Should I be at the matches?' Sometimes relationships can be not helpful. But he was asking, 'What do you think would be the best for her?'"
Previous Family Loss
The loss of Koltsov was not the first sudden tragedy Sabalenka has faced. In November 2019, her father died unexpectedly from meningitis at the age of 43, leaving her to process her bereavement during the sport's offseason.
Her father introduced her to tennis when she was six years old after driving her past empty courts. He taught her the game, passing on his own athletic ambition after a car accident at age 19 shattered his career as a professional hockey player.
If you or someone you know needs help, confidential 24/7 support is available in the US via the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or online at 988lifeline.org.
