Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has dealt with an “intense” month-plus since the death of her ex-boyfriend, former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov, on March 18.

Aryna Sabalenka lost Saturday's Madrid Open final to Iga Swiatek on a three-set tiebreaker. After the match, the tennis star alluded to a recent off-court tragedy when addressing the crowd. Former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov died in what was ruled an apparent suicide last month.

Top-ranked Iga Swiatek avenged her loss in last year's final to Aryna Sabalenka and won the Madrid Open on Saturday after a third-set tiebreaker, telling her opponent after the championship match that "it's always a challenge playing against you.

Iga Swiatek avenged her loss in last year’s final to Aryna Sabalenka and won the Madrid Open after a third-set tiebreaker.

World number one Iga Swiatek edged Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 4-6 7-6(7) in a gripping and gruelling Madrid Open final to win the title for the first time on Saturday in what was a repeat of last year's summit clash at the WTA 1000 claycourt tournament.