From tennis to war: the story of Serhiy Stakhovsky

The former number one racketeer of Ukraine, Serhiy Stakhovsky, who has been defending the country for the past two years as part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the SBU "Alfa" special unit, shared his experiences and thoughts about returning home in 2022, and also spoke about his colleagues from Russia.

"One feels fear when one returns to a country that is at war. You don't know what war is like, you are taking a step into the complete unknown. But in time, if you are lucky and haven't been killed yet, you get used to everything. Now these are mine ordinary circumstances."

Tennis during the war: how Stakhovsky follows the sport

Despite difficult conditions, Serhiy Stakhovsky continues to support children's tennis in Ukraine together with Elina Svitolina. They organize competitions for children aged 12-14 with the support of New Post.

"I have time to follow Ukrainian tennis. Fortunately, I have time to watch the performances of our girls sometimes. Although, of course, I would like more time, but, unfortunately, I don't have it."

Successes of Ukrainian tennis players and their chances at the 2024 Olympics

Stakhovsky noted the successes of Ukrainian tennis players, in particular Marta Kostyuk and Elina Svitolina, who are in the top 20 of the world ranking. He also expressed hope for their success at the Olympics in Paris.

"Now we have Kostyuk in the top 20 of the world rankings, Svitolina is close to the top 20. This is historic, I would say. And the most important thing is that our girls continue to show such high-quality results."

The impact of war on the mental state of athletes

Stakhovsky emphasized that the war significantly complicates the life of Ukrainian athletes, adding additional pressure and stress.

"Playing under that kind of pressure is much more difficult than playing under the pressure of needing a result. It's definitely not about being positive. It just adds to the difficulty."

Prospects for Wimbledon and the 2024 Olympics

Stakhovsky expressed his expectations from Ukrainian tennis players at Wimbledon and the 2024 Olympics. He hopes for the success of Elina Svitolina, Marta Kostyuk, Daria Snigur and other Ukrainian athletes.

"I hope that we will at least repeat the result, but it is very difficult. Fighting for medals at the Olympics is not playing in the final of the "Slam". It is much more, much more difficult."

Attitudes towards Russian athletes

Stakhovsky also expressed his opinion about Russian athletes who do not condemn the war.

"Communities listen, but athletes, unfortunately, do not, because they feel collegiality with the same Muscovites. They did not even try to change anything."

Sports during the war: importance and meaning

Stakhovsky emphasized the importance of sports during the war as a means of drawing attention to the situation in Ukraine and maintaining the national spirit.

"Sport is a huge foreign platform for our country, which can attract attention and focus people on what is happening in Ukraine now."

Editor: Yana Davidyuk