Novak Djokovic offered “financial assistance” to former Ukrainian tennis player Sergei Stakhovsky

Novak Djokovic sends a touching message to former tennis player Serhiy Stakhovsky to offer his support and ‘financial help’… as Ukrainian prepares to fight Russian invasion

  • Novak Djokovic offered his support and financial assistance to Sergei Stakhovsky
  • The second racket of the world sent a WhatsApp message to the former Ukrainian tennis player
  • Stakhovsky joined the Ukrainian army after the Russian invasion last week.
  • He said it was “one of the most difficult decisions” and leave the family.

Novak Djokovic offered former Ukrainian tennis player Sergei Stakhovsky his support and financial assistance after Russiainvasion.

Kyiv-born Stakhovsky, 36, lives in Hungary but returned to Ukraine to serve in the military and is currently waiting for an opportunity to defend his country from Russian soldiers.

The former pro says he has spoken to several current and former tennis players about the situation and now has the backing of world No. 2.

Stakhovsky posted on Instagram share the WhatsApp message he received from Djokovic.

“Stako, how are you, boy? Are you on the field? I think about you, I hope everything will calm down soon, ”said the Serb.

“Please let me know what is the best address to send aid, financial assistance, and any other assistance….”

Speaking with ABC news Earlier this week, Stakhovsky said that joining the Ukrainian army was “one of the most difficult decisions.”

“I had a strong feeling that I should do it,” he said. I didn’t say goodbye to the kids. I just kissed them goodbye and said I’d be right back. They watched cartoons and read books, not paying much attention.

Novak Djokovic sent a WhatsApp message to retired Ukrainian tennis player Sergei Stakhovsky.

Novak Djokovic sent a WhatsApp message to retired Ukrainian tennis player Sergei Stakhovsky.

Stakhovsky appeared on Good Morning Britain this week after serving in the Ukrainian army.

Stakhovsky appeared on Good Morning Britain this week after serving in the Ukrainian army.

“If I had stayed, I would have felt guilty for leaving my father and brother in Ukraine.

“Crossing the border was a difficult choice, because I knew that this is the moment when you will not go back.

“But to travel around Ukraine, to travel around the country, to see how all people unite in groups, create their own resistance units with hunting weapons, barricade roads, this is really inspiring.

Stakhovsky, 36, is perhaps best known for defeating Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2013.

Stakhovsky, 36, is perhaps best known for defeating Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2013.

Novak Djokovic offered

Novak Djokovic offered “financial assistance” to former professional Stakhovsky, who is now in Kyiv

“I feel like I’m underprepared, that’s for sure. But I don’t think anyone is ready enough.”

Stakhovsky, who retired from professional tennis at the Australian Open in January, is perhaps best known for beating Roger Federer in the second round of Wimbledon in 2013 to end the Swiss star’s record streak of 36 consecutive Grand Slam quarter-finals.

He has won four singles titles and four doubles titles and was ranked No. 31 in the world singles rankings in 2010.

Oleksandr Usyk is enrolled in the Kiev Territorial Defense after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Oleksandr Usyk is enrolled in the Kiev Territorial Defense after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Now he is among the Ukrainian athletes who have returned to their homeland to join the resistance.

Boxer Vasily Lomachenko, a former three-weight world champion, also joined the Territorial Forces, while WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk was pictured wielding a gun.

Vitali Klitschko, a former WBC and WBO champion, is the mayor of Kyiv and has remained in the capital despite the onslaught of Vladimir Putin’s forces.