“Russians will have to bear collective guilt for the destruction and murder in Ukraine,”- Tennis ace Sergiy Stakhovsky
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Sergiy Stakhovsky, Putin
In the middle of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, which has lasted more than three weeks, another divisive response has emerged. Sergiy Stakhovsky, a former Ukrainian tennis player, slammed Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte after the Italian made a remark about the ‘unfair’ treatment of Russian athletes during the dreadful war.
“I repeat, it’s very sad that this serious situation, this war between Russia and Ukraine, is affecting football and the sporting [world],” Conte said. “To know that Russian athletes are banned from competitions is very sad. ‘I think it’s not fair. I know very well the work that they do every day for this competition. You have to pay for this situation, I think it’s not right,” he went on to conclude. Conte’s words elicited a response from the Ukrainian on Instagram, which he quickly published in his story.
“I’m not sure you understand the situation in Ukraine. Otherwise, I cannot imagine you would make a comment which would sound like you are sad about Russian athletes and businessmen,” expressed Sergiy Stakhovsky.
“Millions of Ukrainians had to flee their homes because of the Russian invasion. Millions have to leave [sic] through hell in their own cities while Russian planes and artillery bombard them,” the words came from the former World No. 31 who retired from tennis earlier this year and is now fighting to defend his nation from the Russian Annexation.
The Ukrainian concluded his controversial statement by saying, “Please wake up. The Russians will have to bear collective guilt for the destruction and murder they are committing in Ukraine.”
“Thank you for your support, Ukraine is grateful,” Sergiy Stakhovsky appreciates Novak Djokovic’s concern
Earlier this month, World No.2 Novak Djokovic offered financial and other assistance to the four-ATP Title holder Stakhovsky, who left his wife and three children in Hungary to help try to fight Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The 36-year-old shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp chat he had with Djokovic. In the chats, Serbian world number two inquired about his condition and expressed hope that things would calm down.
In Novak Djokovic’s words, “Thinking of you … hope all calms down soon. Please let me know what would be the best address to send help … financial help, any other help as well.”
Stakhovsky posted on Instagram and expressed that Ukraine was grateful for Djokovic’s offer of support.
The impact of the war on the sports field
Athletes from Russia and Belarus have been barred from partaking in a number of sports events. Russia has been barred from participating in football contests by FIFA and UEFA. When it comes to Tennis, players can continue to compete on the ATP and WTA Tours, but not under the flags or names of any country. The Davis Cup and the Billie Jean Cup are likewise off-limits to players.
In fact, according to the recent reports emerging from the United Kingdom, World No.1 Daniil Medvedev may be barred from competing in the 2022 Wimbledon Championships. Medvedev will have to provide assurances that he does not endorse Putin and does not wave the Russian flag in order to compete in the coveted tournament. However, not only him but every Russian player who is hoping to add the tournament to their resume could be affected by the suspension. However, only time will tell what will happen.
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Pritha Ghosh
(414 Articles Published)