London, 21 March 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Aryna Sabalenka says her "heart is broken" following the death of her former boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov.

Former ice hockey player Koltsov, who played in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins, died in Miami aged 42 on Monday in what police described as an "apparent suicide."

Sabalenka, who is scheduled to participate in this week's Miami Open, clarified in an Instagram story on Wednesday that she and Koltsov were no longer a couple before his death.

"Konstantin's death is an unthinkable tragedy, and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken," Sabalenka wrote. "Please respect my privacy and his family's privacy during this difficult time."

Sabalenka was pictured practising in Miami ahead of her first outing against best friend Paula Badosa, who admitted facing the Belarusian will be "uncomfortable."

Badosa said of Sabalenka: "Yesterday I spoke with her a lot of time. This morning the same. So I know what she's going through. I know the entire situation, what is happening.

"That for me is a little bit shocking also to go through that because at the end she's my best friend and I don't want her to suffer. It's a very tough situation.

"At the same point, playing against her, it's also uncomfortable. But I don't really want to talk about it because I said I'm not going to talk about it. She's my best friend and I promised that.

"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."

Caroline Wozniacki became emotional talking about the situation during her press conference, with the Dane saying: "I can't even imagine what she's going through right now.

"I'm also tearing up. It's such a terrible situation. It's so hard. I reached out to her and I told her that I was here if she needed anything.

"I love Aryna. I think she's such a great person. She's always so happy and out there. To see her go through that, it's heartbreaking.

"Everyone grieves in a different way. She was walking past today. I was giving her her space. I let her know that if she ever needs anything, I'm here, we're here for her."

Koltsov had been a regular presence supporting Sabalenka at tournaments. The news was announced by Russia ice hockey team Salavat Yulaev Ufa, where Koltsov had been assistant coach.

A statement on the club's website read: "It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that Salavat Yulaev coach 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. Koltsov won the Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup as part of Salavat Yulaev and did a great job on the team's coaching staff.

"The hockey club Salavat Yulaev expresses its condolences to the family and friends of Konstantin Evgenievich Koltsov."

It is the second tragedy to hit 25-year-old Sabalenka, whose father Sergey, also a former ice hockey player, died in 2019 at the age of 43.

Photo: Facebook