World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka began the Miami Open with a win over a close friend, four days after the death of her former partner Konstantin Koltsov.
The Belarusian star defeated Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-3 on Friday, then embraced Badosa at the net.
Aryna Sabalenka & Paula Badosa share a nice exchange at the net u2764
BFF goals. pic.twitter.com/Mmrs0c53iB— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 22, 2024
Sabalenka started dating Koltsoz in 2021, but the pair separated sometime before his death on Monday, which was ruled an apparent suicide with no suspected foul by police.