World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has delivered a deeply personal and emotional revelation, stating that the sport of tennis ultimately “saved me from depression” in the wake of her former boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov’s tragic passing in March 2024. The Belarusian powerhouse, currently 28 years old, shared her struggles in a recent interview with TIME Magazine , acknowledging a period where intense focus on her game became her only refuge.
“Tennis really saved me from depression. I was just trying to focus on training, just so I spend less time with myself in my thoughts. I would cry in practice a lot. It was a very tough moment in my life,” Sabalenka confessed. Her heartfelt comments provide a poignant insight into the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level while navigating profound personal grief.
Overcoming Personal Tragedy
Koltsov, a former ice hockey player, died by suicide in Miami on March 18, 2024. While Sabalenka clarified they had separated before his death, the sudden news profoundly impacted her. Despite the immense personal shock, Sabalenka chose to compete in the Miami Open just days after the tragedy, a decision that drew some criticism but which she now attributes to her healing process. The court became her sanctuary, a place to channel her raw emotions and find a semblance of control amidst the chaos.
This isn’t the first time Sabalenka has faced immense personal loss, having also lost her father, Sergey, in November 2019 when she was 21 years old. She has often spoken about her determination to honour her family name through her achievements in tennis.
Aryna Sabalenka’s 2026 Season So Far
Sabalenka, born on May 5, 1998, has maintained her position as the World No. 1 as of August 15, 2026, showcasing remarkable resilience. Her 2026 season has seen its share of triumphs and challenges. With a strong win-loss record of 38-7, she has secured three titles: Brisbane, Indian Wells, and Miami. Her victories at Indian Wells and Miami marked a significant achievement, completing the prestigious ‘Sunshine Double’.
However, the Grand Slams this year have presented hurdles:
- Australian Open: Finalist (lost to Elena Rybakina)
- French Open: Quarter-finalist (lost to Diana Shnaider)
- Wimbledon: Fourth Round (lost to Naomi Osaka)
Currently, Sabalenka is preparing for the Cincinnati Open, a crucial warm-up event ahead of the upcoming US Open, where she will be defending her back-to-back titles from 2024 and 2025.
Looking Ahead
Sabalenka’s journey is one of immense talent intertwined with profound personal strength. Her openness about mental health continues to resonate, highlighting the human element behind athletic greatness. As she navigates the remainder of the 2026 season, including her engagement to Brazilian entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis announced in March 2026, her story serves as a powerful reminder of how sport can be a profound source of healing and purpose.