HEARTBROKEN Aryna Sabalenka made an emotional return to professional tennis – but her appearance was delayed by six hours due to rain.
The Belarusian’s ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov, 42, died last week in an “apparent suicide” after the ice hockey hero jumped from a hotel balcony in Miami.
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Paula Badosa shortly after her ex-partner’s deathGetty
Sabalenka made an emotional return and picked up a comfortable winGetty
Konstantin Koltsov, died last week in an “apparent suicide”Reuters
The reigning Australian Open champion took to the court at 5pm local time dressed in black clothes to face close pal Paula Badosa from Spain.
And the world No2 cruised through 6-4 6-3 with a business-like performance even though the tie was delayed for a long time following heavy rain in Florida.
Sabalenka, 25, is not talking this week to the press as she says she wants time to grieve for her former partner.
But she said on social media: “Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken.”
Badosa admitted before the match that playing against Sabalenka would be “uncomfortable”.
The Spaniard said: “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.”
Sabalenka’s third-round assignment will be against Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina and no handshake will be expected given the ongoing war in Eastern Europe.
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