War in Ukraine: at the front, ex-tennis player Stakhovsky hopes not to “have to use a firearm”

Former Ukrainian tennis player Sergiy, 36, has joined the armed forces to defend his country against Russian invasion. “I don’t see how I could have acted differently,” he told the press. Asked by the BBC, Stakhovski then spoke about the combat conditions that await him.

“I know how to use a gun, says the surprise winner of Roger Federer in 2013 at Wimbledon. If I have to do it, I will. But I rather hope that I don’t have to use a gun, ”he explained to the Radio 4 station, which is owned by the British public group.

Stakhovski had retired after the last Australian Open in January. He returned to Kiev to participate in the defense of Ukraine like many other sports personalities. Leaving Hungary, he crossed Slovakia to reach his country, leaving behind his wife and their children.

“Why did you decide to return to Kiev to take up arms? That’s a question I don’t know if I can answer, even for myself. There is no justification for leaving three children at home, but everyone who fights here, who defends Ukraine, also has a family, children, brothers and sisters. Yet they are there. Why should I be in a different situation? Because I made more money and I could escape? »

Legend of Ukrainian boxing and sport, Vitali Klitschko, current mayor of Kiev, will also participate in the fights, as well as his brother, Vladimir, also a long-time world heavyweight champion, who has joined the reserves. “I am a Ukrainian and I am a fighter,” Vladimir announced on Monday. Our main strength is our desire to live in a free country and we decided the direction we wanted to take. »