Grieving tennis champion Aryna Sabalenka has made a stirring return to action just days after the death of her ex-boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov.
Taking on her best friend Paula Badosa at the Miami Open, both players stepped out in black for the match after a rain-delayed start.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Stirring scenes as Sabalenka wins Miami Open match.
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In gusty conditions, Sabalenka then proceeded to take the first 6-4 and was all class in the second set, winning 6-3.
The two-time Australian Open champion had fans on their feet and Badosa on her knees with her trade-mark power hitting and on-court brilliance.
There were emotional scenes after the match when the pair embraced at the net.
Fans and experts were in awe of Sabalenka’s performance and resilience.
“Incredible, specially given the circumstances. Lovely moment at the net,” tennis commentator José Morgado said on social media.
While sports journalist Atinuke Esan said the match “was an emotional one”.
“I have seen a lot of people criticise Sabalenka for deciding to play in Miami,” Esan wrote.
“They are different ways to deal with grief. Doing what she love is her way of grieving.”
Social media account @LoveGame_Tennis said: “An extraordinary effort on every level.”
While @TennisChannel wrote: “Sabalenka showing her strength.”
After news this week that Koltsov, 42, had died, it was widely reported that the ex-Belarusian ice hockey player was Sabalenka’s boyfriend.
But the 25-year-old star clarified the matter on Thursday morning (AEDT), revealing that they had recently split up.
“Konstantin’s death is an unthinkable tragedy, and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken,” Sabalenka she wrote.
“Please respect my privacy and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
They had been together for approximately three years.
Koltsov died in an “apparent suicide”, according to the Miami-Dade Police Department.
More to come ….
