Konstantin Koltsov, a former professional ice hockey player from Belarus and partner of tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, has passed away at the age of 42, as confirmed by a statement from Russian club Salavat Yulaev.
Koltsov, a forward, represented Belarus at the Winter Olympics in 2002 and 2010 and also played three seasons in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2002 to 2006.
After his playing career, Koltsov transitioned into coaching and was working as a coach for Salavat Yulaev, where he had previously played and helped the team secure their first Russian championship title in 2008.
The club expressed their deep sorrow in a statement, highlighting Koltsov's strength, cheerfulness, and the love and respect he garnered from players, colleagues, and fans. They emphasized his lasting impact on the club's history.
While the cause of Koltsov's death has not been disclosed, his presence was notable in the tennis world as well. He frequently accompanied Sabalenka, the world No. 2, to tournaments worldwide. Sabalenka, who recently clinched her second grand slam title at the Australian Open, described Koltsov as 'the best man in the world' in a heartfelt Instagram post in 2022, expressing how he brought happiness into her life on a daily basis.
The pair's relationship had been public since June 2021, and their bond extended beyond personal life into professional endeavors. Sabalenka, who exited in the fourth round of Indian Wells in California last week, is set to participate in the upcoming Miami Open later this week.
