Former Ukrainian tennis star Sergiy Stakhovsky leaves Hungary to join war against Russia

In 2013, Sergiy Stakhovsky walked from centre court at Wimbledon having just defeated the defending champion Roger Federer in the second round, in what was the biggest moment of his career.

Fast-forward to 2022 and the recently retired Ukrainian is in a very different fight, one he never expected, but one that holds considerably more significance.

Less than two months ago, Stakhovsky's career came to a close at Melbourne Park when he was defeated in Australian Open qualifying, but with a wife and three children, and growing business interests, life after tennis was something he was looking forward to.

This week, Stakhovsky gave his family a kiss, told his son he'd be «back soon» and drove from Budapest back to his birth country to take up arms against the Russian soldiers.

«I don't know why I'm doing this to be honest,» Stakhovsky told Statewide Drive Victoria.

«I have three kids. I have a wife and a place to stay outside of the Ukraine, so I cannot really justify exactly why I have done it, but home will always be where the heart is.

»I am just trying to support the army in any way I can, and I just felt the responsibility and the duty to my country to stand our ground I guess."

Stakhovsky has no military training, but is drawing inspiration from the fighting spirit of the Ukrainian people who are standing defiantly in defence of their beleaguered nation.

«I'm not taking that decision lightly, and I guess I'm scared as everybody is, but there's a certain level of fear where once you reach that level you can't go any higher,» he said.

«We have everything to lose and every reason to fight. They have nothing to gain and nothing to fight for and we can see that in them.

»I look at everyone and I know they are like me and I'll do