Aryna Sabalenka's boyfriend and former NHL star Konstantin Koltsov dies aged 42

Konstantin Koltsov, former professional ice hockey player and boyfriend of tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, has sadly passed away at the age of 42.

Konstantin, who was a key player in the NHL from 2002 to 2006 and honoured Belarus in the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics, was well-known as the 'Russian Rocket II'. Konstantin had a successful career with Russian club Salavat Yulaev, where he even bagged the Russian Super League title in 2008. After his playing days, he returned as an assistant coach.

The club mourned his loss in a statement, saying: "It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, 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. May he rest in peace." Konstantin was first linked with the two-time Australian Open champ Aryna Sabalenka in 2021. The former NHL star celebrated the recent victory of his love Down Under in 2024 when she overpowered Zheng Qinwen, reports the Mirror. Five years ago, her father, Sergey, tragically passed away suddenly when he was only 43. Remembering him, the 25 year old Sabalenka had sent a kiss to the sky at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena in response to one of her victories earlier this year.

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She shared a sweet message for her partner on his birthday in April 2023: "I love you @koltsov2021," she wrote, alongside several photos and videos of them as a couple. "Happy birthday my love. You are my dearest person, my best friend and my strongest support. Peace be with you, strength, patience and