"He lived through hell and he understands" - Stakhovsky grateful for Djokovic's support

Retired Ukrainian tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky, who joined the armed forces to help combat Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, says Novak Djokovic's support means a lot.

Stakhovsky left his wife and three young children in Hungary and returned to his birthplace to help try to fight Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The 36-year-old has been working with a branch of the Ukraine armed forces that can only be used inside the city premises and reached out to the tennis community for financial support.

Djokovic and many others from the tennis world answered his calls. Stakhovsky shared a message from the Serbian on social media to show that the tennis world is united against the invasion. Stakhovsky says it was extra special receiving support from Djokovic because the world number two knows what it is like to have lived through a war.

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"I put out Novak's (message) with his permission because I know for Ukrainians, that would matter. Not all the Ukrainians would know Richard Gasquet or Lucas Pouille or Aljaz Bedene, or all the other guys, but they will see that he is supportive, that he understands that he condemns what's going on, that's the most important part - raise the spirit of the Ukrainians a bit."

He further said:

“Although maybe they are already high with having finally a normal president who is willing to put himself where his words are and put his life on the line alongside all the other Ukrainians. It was, of course, special to hear messages from players. Novak is different because Novak lived through hell when he was young. He completely understands what our kids are going through right now in Ukraine, when they live in the metro stations. So, you know, it's something that I wish no one would have to go through.”