Novak Djokovic offers support to Stakhovsky: 'Let me know how I can help...'
Former professional Sergiy Stakhovsky has been in Kiev for days, he wants to help defend Ukraine against the Russian attack. Now he posted an offer of help from Novak Djokovic.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit:
Mar 06, 2022, 04:01 pm
Stakhovsky had played his last career match at the Australian Open, after the Russian attack on Ukraine he went to Kiev a few days ago to help his country .
Now Stakhovsky published a WhatsApp message from Novak Djovovic: "I'm thinking of you ... and hope everything calms down," wrote Djokovic. And offered his support. "Please let me know how I can best help... financially or otherwise."
It is unclear when the message came from - Stakhovsky only posted it on Instagram on Sunday afternoon and publicly thanked Djokovic. "Ukraine is grateful to you."
He had already declared days ago that he was in contact with Djokovic. He also wrote to Federer and Nadal so that they would speak up - without an answer. "I'm sorry that you don't speak out. I understand you, it's not your war. We have the support of big personalities, I hope that lasts," Stakhovsky commented.
Stakhovsky: "No decision feels right"
Stakhovsky recently told CNN why he left his family of three to help Ukraine. "Of course I hesitated, it's impossible to make such a decision without hesitation," said the 36-year-old. He was on vacation with his family in Dubai when the attack took place. "It wasn't an easy decision." Neither decision would feel right when it came to his family: "Had I stayed home, I would have felt guilty for not coming back. Now I'm here and I feel guilty for leaving her at home."
Of course, his wife was angry when he told her his decision, but now she understands his reasons. "But for her it was a betrayal and I understand why she feels that way." He was born in Ukraine, as were his grandparents. "If I stay at home and Ukraine doesn't make it, there would be no Ukraine, not even in the history books. (...) The modern history of Ukraine would not exist."
What he would like: "For my country to continue to exist on the map, to develop, become better, even more European. And maybe my children can experience the development of my country."