Ukraine's Stakhovsky claims Djokovic sent a message of support, while Federer and Nadal "preferred silence"

Retired tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky returned to his native Ukraine to join the military reserve and defend his country against the Russian invasion, and the former World No.31 revealed he received a message of support from Novak Djokovic, but never heard from Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal.

The 36-year old retired after the Australian Open this year, and stated he had chatted with Djokovic since the ongoing international tensions began.

"Djokovic sent me a message of support, we even chatted a bit. I tried to contact Federer and Nadal, I’m sorry they preferred silence. I understand them, it’s not their war. We have the support of great personalities, I hope it lasts," Stakhovsky told La Stampa.

After ensuring that his family safely got to Hungary, Stakhovsky returned to Ukraine to defend his country. "Of course, I would fight, it's the only reason I'm trying to get back," Stakhovsky told Sky News.

"I signed up for the reserves last week. I don't have military experience but I do have experience with a gun privately. "My dad and brother are surgeons, they are stressed out, but I speak to them frequently - they sleep in the basement."