The world no. 2 Aryna Sabalenka managed to control her emotions as she defeated Spain’s Paula Badosa 6-4 6-3 on Friday, her first court appearance since the demise of her ex-boyfriend earlier this week.
Following six hours of rain delays, Sabalenka and her close companion Badosa both donned all-black outfits as they entered the court.
The two-time Australian Open champion Sabalenka stated in a statement on Wednesday that she was “heartbroken” by the demise of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov, adding that the two were not dating at the time of his death.
Koltsov passed away on Monday, and according to Miami police, he committed an “apparent suicide” by jumping from the balcony of a room at a resort. The 42-year-old was a former NHL ice hockey player and coach.
After a slow start to the match, Sabalenka stormed to take a 4-3 lead in the opening set and never looked back. The Belarusian then stunned her Spanish opponent in the third game of the second set with an incredible cross-court forehand winner and she won in one hour and twenty-two minutes. Before departing the court without giving an on-court interview, the two players shared hugs near the net.
Badosa stated that Sabalenka’s skill to stay focused and give a strong performance did not surprise her. “She is a very, very strong woman, strong personality. You can see it on the court…I know her off court so it doesn’t surprise me at all,” she said.
She added, “I knew she was going to play very well or like normal. I told her I wish her the best and let’s see if she can go deep in this tournament.”
