“Everybody wants to shoot a Russian,” Former Ukrainian ATP icon who defeated Roger Federer is now set to serve his country’s cause against Russia

Sergiy Stakhovsky exchanged his racket for a gun as he geared up to serve for his country after retirement.

“Everybody wants to shoot a Russian,” Former Ukrainian ATP icon who defeated Roger Federer is now set to serve his country’s cause against Russia

Sergiy Stakhovsky (via Sergei Supinsky/AFP)

Serving one’s country is considered one of the most admired jobs all around the world, but it is very rare to see a former tennis player trade their racket for a gun. Sergiy Stakhovsky, the former Ukraine player, was a mid-tier competitor who had recorded several wins against some of the greatest players.

With only 4 titles, the Ukrainian failed to make many headlines when he retired in 2022. Post-retirement, the then 36-year-old settled down with his wife Anfisa and three children and started running a winery. He didn’t know then that his life would take a full turn that would put the lives of him and his family in danger. 

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In early 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. With missiles and bombs, they had taken the Ukrainians by surprise. Unfortunately, Stakhovsky’s parents and brother were in Kyiv, trying to evacuate safely. The night before the invasion, the former tennis star had phoned his parents to grab the important documents, gas the car, and even fill up ammo for the shotgun. It was very hard to find ammo. 

FS Video
Everybody wants to shoot a Russian.
Stakhovsky said via SI

Two days into the invasion, Stakhovsky couldn’t fathom the fact that he was just sitting at home while his family and friends were stuck in a crisis. Evading his family, he drove off to Ukraine. From serving on the tennis court, he was positioned to serve his country.

Sergiy Stakhovsky recalled the moment he had to leave his family and drive off to serve his country

Former tennis star Sergiy Stakhovsky had an average career in tennis. His biggest win came against Roger Federer at Wimbledon in what is known as one of the biggest upsets in tennis. The Ukrainian had also beaten Novak Djokovic on a junior circuit. 

Sergiy Stakhovsky and Roger Federer
Sergiy Stakhovsky and Roger Federer (Via Imago)

Within a few months after retirement, the Ukrainian went on to serve his country after Russia had invaded Ukraine. Leaving his family behind, the former World No. 31 drove off into the sunset to help out his country. 

She said, ‘You cannot go because you have three kids. It’s irresponsible,’--And she said, ‘If you are gonna go, you don’t have to return.’ I mean, she was furious.
Stakhovsky added

Despite his wife disagreeing with this idea, Stakhovsky chose the right moment to pack his stuff and drive off to help his country. Possessing the right skill sets for handling a gun and an already fit body, the Ukrainian represented his country in the war.  

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