Novak Djokovic pledges to send 'help' to Sergiy Stakhovsky and Ukraine efforts against Russian invasion

Novak Djokovic has pledged to send whatever help possible to Ukrainian former tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky, who has enlisted for his country’s reserve army. Former world No. 31 Stakhovsky has signed up to defend his country against the Russian invasion and has left his wife and family to travel to Kiev.

Ad/> He posted a screenshot on Instagram of a Whatsapp conversation with Djokovic which shows the world No.2 offering his support. TennisWawrinka sets return date, but when are Federer, Williams, Kyrgios back?04/03/2022 AT 10:41 “Thinking of you, hope all calms down soon,” wrote Djokovic. “Please let me know what would be the best address to send help...financial help, any other help as well.” World No.17 Reilly Opelka replied to the post saying «no surprise» with clapping emojis.

Stakhovsky has previously called out Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for failing to show their support, saying he tried to contact them “without success”. Serena: I would probably be in jail for Zverev's umpire chair attack Federer reveals plans to return to tour later this year “I am sorry that you prefer to remain silent, although I understand them. It's not their war,” he said.

“We have the support of great personalities, I hope it lasts.” Stakhovsky won four ATP titles and enjoyed a shock win over Federer in the second round of Wimbledon in 2013. He is not the only Ukrainian athlete to have taken up arms, with former boxing champions Wladimir Klitschko and Vitali Klitschko both defending their country along with world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Stakhovsky says he has felt the support of the tennis community and has spoken to Russian players about the situation.