Novak Djokovic has pledged monetary help to Ukrainian tennis participant Sergiy Stakhovsky, who has joined the struggle to guard his nation from the Russian invasion.
Stakhovsky, who famously beat Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2013, final week mentioned he had signed up for Ukraine’s army reserves.
On Sunday the previous world quantity 31 posted a screenshot on Instagram of a WhatsApp dialog with Djokovic.
“Pondering of you … hope all calms down quickly,” learn a message from the Serbian 20-time grand slam champion.
“Please let me know what could be the most effective tackle to ship assist. Monetary assist, some other assist as nicely.”
Serbia has shut political ties to Moscow.
However final week the nation voted in help of a United Nations decision asking Russia to “instantly” withdraw from Ukraine.
Anti-war protests have additionally damaged out all through the nation.
The 36-year-old Stakhovsky retired after the Australian Open in January and has returned to Kyiv to participate within the wrestle to repel the Russians.
Various Ukrainian sports activities stars have joined the trouble to defend their nation, together with two-time Olympic boxing gold medallist Vasiliy Lomachenko and world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
“I’ve three youngsters. I’ve a spouse and a spot to remain outdoors of the Ukraine, so I can not actually justify precisely why I’ve finished it, however dwelling will all the time be the place the guts is,” Stakhovsky informed the ABC final week.
“I’m simply making an attempt to help the military in any method I can, and I simply felt the accountability and the responsibility to my nation to face our floor I suppose.”
Russian and Belarusian tennis gamers will likely be allowed to proceed competing in ATP and WTA tournaments and grand slam occasions however they won’t be allowed to compete below their international locations’ names or flags.
Workforce occasions and tournaments inside Russia have been cancelled.
AFP/ABC
