The war is currently raging in Ukraine and the country needs all its forces to face the invasion of Russia which has been going on since February 24th. A war that has moved the whole world and many renowned athletes have made their voices heard in the face of this extremely serious situation. Some athletes have even paid the price with their lives for the exchanges of fire between the two countries, while others are still engaged in the fighting. This is particularly the case of the Ukrainian professional tennis player Sergiy Stakhovskywho has decided to commit to the defense of his country.
The 233rd world player aged 36 today had the courage to go to the front, leaving his wife and children in Hungary. Beyond his presence on the spot, Sergiy Stakhovsky also seeks to alert public opinion and he has notably tried to reach the three tennis stars, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer to support his cause. “Djokovic sent me a message of support, we even exchanged a little. I tried to contact Federer and Nadal, I’m sorry but they preferred silence”he reveals in an interview with La Stampa.
Disappointed with the attitude of the Spaniard and the Swiss, Sergiy Stakhovsky has nevertheless decided not to blame them more than that. “I understand them, it’s not their war. We have the support of great personalities, I hope it lasts”he hopes.
He leaves his wife and children to join
The Ukrainian tennis player therefore made the very strong choice to leave his wife and three children, aged 3, 6 and 7, to risk his life for his country. Asked by TMZ, he explained that the announcement of his departure was very hard for his wife to take. The latter was furious with him, but he knew she wouldn’t understand his choice. After a period of high tension, they communicate again and he hopes that she will forgive him one day.