Aryna Sabalenka gets honest about coping with ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov's tragic death without a psychologist

Aryna Sabalenka recently opened up on the tragic death of her ex-boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov. A former ice hockey player, Koltsov represented Belarus as a forward at the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics.

On March 18 last year, reports emerged that Konstantin Koltsov had died at the age of 42 in Miami, Florida. An investigation by the Miami-Dade Police Department determined his death was the result of an 'apparent suicide.'

Months after Koltsov's tragic death, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka opened up about how she navigated the challenges that followed. Speaking to The Age she disclosed that her team had hired a psychologist to support her through the emotional turmoil, but she ultimately realized she could manage it on her own.

"Honestly, I don’t know how [I continued to play]. My team got a bit nervous after the last situation [with my ex-boyfriend], and they hired a psychologist,” Sabalenka said.

“When I spoke to him, he was like, ‘How did you handle so many dramas in your life?’ and at that moment, I realised, ‘OK, I don’t need the psychologist. I can handle it by myself," she added.

The 3-time Major champion added how focusing on personal behavior, attitude, and positivity is key to overcoming challenges.

“I think, first of all, you cannot control others. You can only control yourself, your behaviour, and your attitude to things, and you just have to focus on the positives," she added.

Following the tragic passing of her ex-boyfriend, Sabalenka shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram story, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. Since April 2024, the Belarusian has been in a relationship with Georgios Frangulis, the founder of Oakberry.

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Aryna Sabalenka will face Polina Kudermetova at the Brisbane International final

Aryna Sabalenka at 2025 Brisbane International - Image Source: Getty

Aryna Sabalenka enjoyed a remarkable season last year, securing two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and US Open, along with WTA 1000 victories in Cincinnati and Wuhan. Additionally, she reached the semifinals of the WTA Finals in Riyadh and concluded 2024 as the year-end World No. 1.

Following an impressive 2024 season, the Belarusian aims to kick off 2025 on a strong note by clinching the Brisbane International title, having already reached the tournament’s final. The 26-year-old is set to take on Polina Kudermetova.. This will be their first meeting on tour, with their head-to-head currently at 0-0.

Notably, Sabalenka fell short in last year's Brisbane International final, suffering a straight-sets defeat to Elena Rybakina.