Former tennis pro Sergej Stachowski has been back in Ukraine for days. The former world No. 31 now lives in Slovakia, but now wants to defend his homeland against Russian invaders as part of the Ukrainian reserve army. He left his wife and three children behind.
Part of his work: As a morale boost for the Ukrainian people, Stachowski tries to rally as many prominent voices as possible behind him. Including, of course, his ex-colleagues from the tennis tour. “Djokovic sent me a message of support and we even talked a bit,” the 36-year-old tells the Italian newspaper La Stampa.
So far, Stachowski has not been able to get through to Roger Federer, whom he surprisingly defeated in Wimbledon in 2013: “I also tried to contact Federer and Nadal, but without success. I’m sorry you’re keeping quiet, even though I understand you. It’s not their war. We have great personalities, I hope the support continues.” (cmu)
