The couple had been in a relationship since 2021, and Koltsov constantly accompanied Sabalenka to the tennis tournaments in which she performed.

Koltsov is a former professional hockey player who played at the Olympic Games in 2002 and 2010, and for the Belarusian national team he made 123 appearances with 23 goals and 21 assists. He also played four seasons in the NHL, in the Pittsburgh Penguins team.