Sabalenka has commented for the first time on Koltsov's passing

Aryna Sabalenka, the world's second-ranked tennis player, has commented for the first time on the passing of former hockey player Konstantin Koltsov:

"The loss of Kostya is an unimaginable tragedy, and although we are no longer together, my heart is broken.

Please respect my personal life and his family's personal life during this difficult time," Sabalenka wrote.

Earlier reports suggested that Koltsov had died by suicide, but his ex-wife insists that he was simply very intoxicated.

On March 22, Sabalenka will play her first match at the WTA 1000 tournament in Miami. In the round of 32, Arina will face Paula Badosa.