Sergiy Stakhovsky says he has adjusted to living in a war-zone life and claims he is ready to "die for Ukraine" if that will help his country defend its land.
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When the war started over three years ago, the former four-time ATP champion returned to Ukraine and voluntarily joined the military reserves. Unfortunately for him, his wife didn't really appreciate that move so now he is divorced, while his ex-wife and their three children now live abroad.
While Stakhovsky admits he is not happy with how things ended with his ex-wife, he has no regrets about deciding to defend his country. And even after witnessing various horrors over the last couple of years, the former world No. 31 plans to be with his country until the end.
Stalhovsky: We all know someone will die...
Human beings get used to everything. Everyone in Ukraine is getting used to bombs exploding every day, drones flying over, people dying, this feeling of vulnerability," the former Ukrainian tennis player told L'Equipe.
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"We all know that someone will die. We just tell ourselves: it wont be me. Either you decide to do what is right and protect what is good, or you dont do it at all.
"I divorced my ex-wife, I see my three children practically once every six months because they are not in Ukraine and it is very difficult for me to leave the country: I need a special permit. It is hard, but that is how it is. If all the people who chose to defend Ukraine said I have done my part, I am leaving, who would defend it?'"
When asked directly if he was ready to die for his homeland, Stakhovsky kept it straight and short.
Of course. Otherwise I wouldnt be here," the 39-year-old said.
In the same interview, the Ukrainian also admitted he would like to see his ex-wife again and "ask for forgiveness."
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Stakhovsky played his last pro match during the 2022 Australian Open qualifying, just a month before the war in his country broke out.
