Jessica Pegula Puts Rivalry Aside to Uplift Aryna Sabalenka’s Spirits Amid Tragedy- ‘We Are Still a Family’

The sudden death of the former ice hockey player Konstantin Koltsov at the age of 42 shook the entire tennis world, as he was also the boyfriend of two-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka. American tennis player Jessica Pegula, Sablenka’s fierce on-court rival, showed her support and deepest sympathies in a sincere gesture of solidarity in her latest interview before the Miami Open.

In the interview, Pegula emphasized the value of camaraderie and support among the close-knit tennis community, stressing that during difficult times, players come together as a single “family” to provide comfort and support to those in need. She described the incident as horrible and urged everyone to offer her support and comfort.

Jessica Pegula’s heartfelt condolences to Aryna Sabalenka

After the sudden demise of her boyfriend, Aryna Sabalenka has received love and support from the tennis community. Jessica Pegula, Sabalenka’s on-court rival, recently opened up about the horrible incident. “I think the best you can really do is just offer support, and that’s really comforting, I hope for her, to know that even though we are all competitors and you know we are all kind at the stage where we are trying to beat each other, at the same time we are still somewhat of a family and co-workers and we all work together,” Pegula said.

Be it Caroline Wozniacki or Paula Badosa, many colleagues have come forward to show their love and support for the Belarusian player. Referring to their sympathy and understanding of the situation, Jessica Pegula also said, “There’s nothing you can say; it’s just ‘hey, I am here for you if you ever need to talk or anything,’ and I think that’s something that a lot of the girls have been doing today.”

Organizers have confirmed that Aryna Sabalenka is not withdrawing from the Miami Open after the tragic incident. She will be facing Badosa, her friend and colleague, in her first match. Paula Badosa is, however, expecting this match to be a difficult one, given the tough situation Saba is in.

Paula Badosa does not want Sabalenka to “suffer”

Following the passing of world No. 2’s boyfriend, Konstantin Koltsov, Paula Badosa claimed that playing her close friend, Aryna Sabalenka, at the Miami Open will be quite uncomfortable. “Yesterday I spoke with her a lot of time. This morning the same. So I know what she’s going through. I know the entire situation. That for me, is a little bit shocking to go through that because she’s my best friend, and I don’t want her to suffer. It’s a very tough situation,” she said in an interview.

Read more: ‘So Seriously Inappropriate’ – Recurring Questions About Aryna Sabalenka’s Tragedy Leaves Tennis Fans Infuriated at the Press

Pegula and Badosa’s message is a moving reminder of the strength of empathy and unity in the face of hardship as Aryna Sabalenka makes her way through this time of intense loss and grief. These kinds of actions are what show how the human spirit can bounce back from sorrow and how compassion can always bring people together.

Also read: Miami Open: Aryna Sabalenka Takes Extremely Brave Decision Despite Boyfriend’s Death, According to Reports