4-time ATP champion, Sergiy Stakhovsky has decided to join his nation’s military reserves following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Sergiy Stakhovsky rose to fame after defeating Roger Federer in Wimbledon 2013. The Ukrainian has a career-best ranking of 31 in ATP Men’s singles. Stakhovsky was born in Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine which is one of the primary targets of the Russian military. The 36-year old has decided to retire from professional tennis for a “greater cause”.
Stakhovsky has no prior military experience. Speaking to the media, Stakhovsky said, “Of course I want to fight. My dad and brother are surgeons; they are stressed out. I speak to them frequently, they sleep in the basement.” In a social media post, Stakhovsky stated, “I am proud of Ukraine defence and National Guard of Ukraine. I am proud of my president, I am proud of every Ukrainian.” “Believe in our military, believe in our invincibility. Glory to Ukraine”, he further added.
Ukrainian and Russian athletes react to the crisis
Sports stars from both countries have come forward to voice their opinions regarding the crisis. Russian tennis stars Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev have echoed similar opinions, pleading for peace. After his match at the Dubai Tennis Championships, Rublev wrote on a camera lens, “No War please.” Speaking to the press, Medvedev said, “We play in so many different countries. It’s just not easy to hear all this. I’m all for peace.” Ukrainian football stars Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ruslan Malinovskiy have publicly condemned Russia for their actions.
Alex Ovechkin NHL star and one of Russia’s biggest sporting icons pleaded for peace in a public statement. Incidentally, Ovechkin campaigned for Putin in 2017 and is a well known supporter of the Russian President. The Washington Capitals star said, “Please, no more war. It doesn’t matter who is in the war – Russia, Ukraine, different countries we have to live in peace.”
The statements from the sports stars do very little to help the Ukrainian citizens who are continuously suffering. However, they do give us hope. ‘Hope’ – that once again, the sport will lead the way to unite the world.
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