CNN —Aryna Sabalenka defeated Paula Badosa in the second round at the Miami Open on Friday, playing just days after the death of her ex-partner, former professional ice hockey player Konstantin Koltsov.
“Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy, and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” Sabalenka said in a statement on Wednesday.
Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka embraced at the net afterwards.
Robert Prange/Getty Images“No, I wasn’t surprised at all (by Sabalenka’s play)”, Badosa told reporters after losing to Sabalenka.
“She’s a very, very strong woman, strong personality, you can see it on the court.
Persons:
Aryna Sabalenka, Paula Badosa, Konstantin Koltsov, Spain’s Badosa, Koltsov, “, ” Sabalenka, Robert Prange, Badosa, Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Nadia Podoroska
Organizations:
CNN, Miami, NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, Miami - Dade Police Department, Sabalenka, Argentine, International Association for Suicide Prevention, Befrienders