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Paula Badosa said it will be “uncomfortable” facing her best friend, Aryna Sabalenka, at the Miami Open after the death of the world No 2’s boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov. Sabalenka was pictured on social media practising on Tuesday a day after 42-year-old former ice hockey player Koltsov died in Miami in what police described as an “apparent suicide”.
Her first match is due to be on Thursday against Badosa, who defeated Simona Halep on the Romanian’s return from a doping ban.
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. That for me is a little bit shocking to go through that because 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, saying: “I can’t even imagine what she’s going through. 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. 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, who played in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins, had been a regular presence supporting Sabalenka at tournaments. The news was announced by the Russia ice hockey team Salavat Yulaev Ufa, where Koltsov had been assistant coach. Sabalenka’s father, Sergey, also a former ice hockey player, died in 2019 at the age of 43.
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