The haunting similarities between the deaths of Aryna Sabalenka's father and boyfriend as Australian Open star is struck by tragedy

Aryna Sabalenka has been struck by another tragedy in the space of five years after her boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, died in Florida.

The former Belarusian hockey star played for his national team in the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics, and also spent time in the United States playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL.

Sabalenka is in Florida preparing for the Miami Open and Koltsov is reported to have joined the Australian Open champion ahead of the tournament. 

He 'died of suicide' on Monday evening after jumping from a hotel balcony in Miami, police have confirmed. 

'It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away,' the Russian club's statement read. 

Konstantin Koltsov, the boyfriend of world number two Aryna Sabalenka, died in Florida

In November 2019, Sabalenka lost her father Sergey (left) suddenly at the age of just 43. Koltsov was a former ice hockey star, like Sergey, and died aged 42

Tuesday's shocking news bears haunting similarities to a previous tragedy in Sabalenka's life.

Her father, Sergey, was also a former professional hockey star and died aged 43 in 2019.

Koltsov, of course, played hockey and has died at the age of 42. 

Sabalenka has spoken openly of the motivation her father's passing has inspired her to kick on in tennis. 

After winning her second Australian Open title in January, Sabalenka achieved a feat she had previously discussed on an episode of Netflix's tennis docu-series Break Point.

'We had one dream: that before 25, I will win a couple of Grand Slams,' the then-24-year-old said.

'Now I'm 24 and there is zero in my pocket'.

Australian Open champion Sabalenka is in Florida for the Miami Open

Sabalenka and Koltsov are thought to have dated for three years, after first being linked in June 2021 and the world number two has frequently posted photos of them together on her Instagram account.

'I love you @koltsov2021,' she wrote in one post that included heart and other emojis.

'Happy birthday my love. You are my dearest person, my best friend and my strongest support. Peace be with you, strength, patience and health.

'I hope we will have everything we planned I love you.'

For support call Samaritans on 116123 in the UK or visit www.samaritans.org or www.thecalmzone.net/get-support, or call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on 988 in the US.