Aryna Sabalenka asked for and was granted her first match to be postponed by the organisers of the Miami Open 2024 following the passing of her Belarusian ex-boyfriend, former Pittsburgh Pirates Ice Hockey player Konstantin Kolstov.
Koltsov was married with three children.
No. 2 seed Sabalenka is due to face close friend and confidante Paula Badosa, in her first match who told her first round post match press conference “it is was a difficult time for me and I promised Aryna not to discuss the matter with the media”
Badosa confided she had spent a long time on the phone with Sabalenka and knew the facts revealing that she and Konstantin were no longer together, but the tragedy still obviously impacted her immensely.
The Spaniard added “She’s a strong woman. I think she will get the power from somewhere. I hope it’s going to be a battle, a good match, and let’s see.”
Sabalenka was seen practicing yesterday having made a brave decision to compete at the event.
Initially, the match was supposed to be played on Thursday, but after Sabalenka’s request, it was moved to Friday’s schedule.
