Aryna Sabalenka made a victorious return to the court at the Miami Open just four days after the shock death of her former boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov. 

On the eve of Sabalenka’s opening tie, police confirmed Tuesday that Koltsov, who had been dating the Australian Open champion for three years, died on Monday at the age of 42 in an ‘apparent suicide’ after jumping from a hotel balcony in Miami.

It was initially believed that the Belarusian former professional hockey player, who shares three children with ex-wife Julija Mikhailova, had joined his girlfriend in the city as she prepared for the tournament this month.

Yet on Wednesday, Sabalenka, 25, claimed their relationship had already come to an end while breaking her silence on the ‘unthinkable tragedy’ of his death.

Despite Koltsov’s apparent suicide, the world No 2 chose to go ahead with her Miami Open campaign and secured a victory over her best friend Paula Badosa.

Aryna Sabalenka returned to the court at the Miami Open after the death of her ex boyfriend

Aryna Sabalenka returned to the court at the Miami Open after the death of her ex boyfriend

Aryna Sabalenka returned to the court at the Miami Open after the death of her ex boyfriend 

Sabalenka’s Miami Open campaign began on Friday against her best friend Paula Badosa

Several rain delays meant Sabalenka had to wait before making her return to the court

Several rain delays meant Sabalenka had to wait before making her return to the court

Several rain delays meant Sabalenka had to wait before making her return to the court

Koltsov, who had been dating Australian Open champion Sabalenka for three years, died at the age of 42 on Monday after jumping from a hotel balcony in Miami

Koltsov, who had been dating Australian Open champion Sabalenka for three years, died at the age of 42 on Monday after jumping from a hotel balcony in Miami

Koltsov, who had been dating Australian Open champion Sabalenka for three years, died at the age of 42 on Monday after jumping from a hotel balcony in Miami

Miami Police say the Belarusian former professional hockey player fell to his death at the St Regis Bal Harbour Resort

Miami Police say the Belarusian former professional hockey player fell to his death at the St Regis Bal Harbour Resort

Miami Police say the Belarusian former professional hockey player fell to his death at the St Regis Bal Harbour Resort

Sabalenka returned to training just 24 hours after Koltsov's death in an 'apparent suicide'

Sabalenka returned to training just 24 hours after Koltsov's death in an 'apparent suicide'

Sabalenka returned to training just 24 hours after Koltsov’s death in an ‘apparent suicide’ 

In a statement on Wednesday she claimed their relationship had already come to an end while breaking her silence on the 'unthinkable tragedy'

In a statement on Wednesday she claimed their relationship had already come to an end while breaking her silence on the 'unthinkable tragedy'

In a statement on Wednesday she claimed their relationship had already come to an end while breaking her silence on the ‘unthinkable tragedy’ 

After five rain delays kept her waiting all day amid torrential downpour in Miami, Sabalenka finally stepped out onto the court for her Round of 64 clash with Badosa and earned a 6-4, 6-3 victory. 

She received a warm reception after making her way out of the tunnel as fans showed their sympathy following her tragic loss just days ago. 

Sabalenka had previously been seen working on her forehand and her serve on Tuesday and Wednesday, blocking out the grief in the immediate days after Koltsov’s apparent suicide to prepare for Friday’s match.

Miami-Dade Police have taken control of the investigation into his death. However, his ex-wife Mikhailova has offered her view on what might have happened to him – saying that he ‘was very likely drunk’ before his fall and that there were liquor bottles found throughout his room on the 23rd floor of the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort.

Most likely, he was very drunk,’ she told Zerkalo about the ex-NHL star, who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and represented Belarus at two Winter Olympics. ‘Unfortunately, hockey players are sometimes guilty of this. 

‘Empty alcohol bottles were found in the room where Konstantin stayed. There was a balcony overlooking the ocean. Probably Konstantin did not keep track of his actions.

‘We still have the old family computer with Konstantin’s email. I knew the passwords and managed to open some emails. Konstantin had further booked apartments in a different location. Purchases that have not yet arrived have been paid for. He rented a car for a long time.

‘That is, he did not intend to die. Anything, of course, can go to your head, but there was no sign of tragedy.’ 

Police have ruled out murder and believe the investigation will be over within a month, according to Mikhailova.

It is unclear when Koltsov and Sabalenka, who were first linked in 2021, went separate ways

It is unclear when Koltsov and Sabalenka, who were first linked in 2021, went separate ways

It is unclear when Koltsov and Sabalenka, who were first linked in 2021, went separate ways 

Koltsov's ex-wife Mikhailova believes his death may have stemmed from alcohol consumption

Koltsov's ex-wife Mikhailova believes his death may have stemmed from alcohol consumption

Koltsov’s ex-wife Mikhailova believes his death may have stemmed from alcohol consumption 

Koltsov played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and represented Belarus at two Winter Olympics

Koltsov played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and represented Belarus at two Winter Olympics

Koltsov played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and represented Belarus at two Winter Olympics

It’s unclear when Sabalenka and Koltsov’s relationship came to an end, but multiple sources told The Telegraph that the couple had split. 

The pair were first linked in June 2021 and the two-time Australian Open winner 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.

‘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.’

The death of Sabalenka’s partner comes just five years after she lost her father Sergey following his sudden death at 43

Like Koltsov, her father had also played professional hockey, and the Belarusian athlete has often spoken of the motivation her father’s passing her inspired in her tennis game.

For support call Samaritans on 116123 in the UK or visit www.samaritans.org or www.thecalmzone.net/get-support, or call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on 988 in the US.

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