Russia

Former Belarus ice hockey player and tennis star Aryna Sabalenka's boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov has passed away. The news was confirmed by Russian ice hockey club Salavat Yulaev on their website where Koltsov served as the coach.

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Writing about the demise, the club wrote (translated from Google): "It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that Salavat Yulaev coach 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.

"The hockey club 'Salavat Yulaev' expresses its condolences to the family and friends of Konstantin Evgenievich Koltsov."

The 42-year-old had played in the Belarus national team in the 2002 and 2010 Olympics and was also a part of the USA-based National Hockey League (NHL) for Pittsburgh Penguins from 2002 to 2006.

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Renowned for his speed on the ice, Koltsov won the Russian Super League title with Salavat Yulaev in 2008 and more recently returned to the club as an assistant coach.

Sabalenka and Koltsov were first linked in June 2021, according to People magazine, and the world number two has frequently posted photos of them together on her Instagram account.

"I love you @koltsov2021," she wrote in one post that included heart and other emojis.

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"Happy birthday my love. You are my dearest person, my best friend and my strongest support. Peace be with you, strength, patience and health.

"I hope we will have everything we planned I love you."

Koltsov also applauded Sabalenka after the Belarusian won her second consecutive Australian Open title in January.

Sabalenka lost in the last 16 at Indian Wells last week and is scheduled to play her first match at the Miami Open on Friday.

(With inputs from agencies)