Novak Djokovic lends support to Ukraine, Sergiy Stakhovsky in fight against Russia

Novak Djokovic has reached out to offer support to fighters on the ground in Ukraine, pledging financial aid via an old tennis ally.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 23: Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after beating Karen Khachanov of Russia in the second round match during day 10 of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on February 23, 2022 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Martin Dokoupil/Getty Images)

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has thrown his support behind Ukraine in their war with Russia, reaching out to tennis star Sergiy Stakhovsky to offer financial and moral support.

Stakhovsky, the Ukranian former world No.31, has picked up arms to defend his country and fight Putin’s army, despite freely admitted he has no military experience.

And Djokovic, the 20-time grand slam champion, wants to help.

Novak Djokovic has offered finacial support to Ukraine in their fight against Putin’s Russian army. Picture: Getty

Stakhovsky shared a series of messages from the nine-time Australian Open champion in which he offers “financial help, any other help as well”.

“Stako, how are you man? Are you on the field?” Djokovic wrote.

“Thinking of you. Hoping all calms down soon. Please let me know what would be the best address to send help. Financial help, any other help as well.”

Stakhovsky replied that he was on the ground in Kiev, and that it was ‘pretty silent’ before offering his gratitude.

“Ukraine is grateful,” he posted.

Speaking to ABC News earlier this week, Stakhovsky described his call to join the Ukranian army as ‘one of the toughest decisions’.

‘I just had this strong feeling that I have to do it,’ he said.

“I didn’t really say goodbye to the kids. I just kissed them goodbye, and I said that I’ll be right back. They were watching cartoons and reading books, not really paying attention.

‘If I stayed I would have felt guilt that I left my father and brother in Ukraine.

‘Crossing the border was a tough choice because I knew that’s the point where, you know, you don’t go back.

‘But by driving through Ukraine, driving through the country, seeing all the people coming into groups, doing their own resistance units with hunting guns, barricading the roads, it’s really inspirational.

‘I feel I am not prepared enough, that’s for sure. But I guess no one is prepared enough.”

Originally published as Novak Djokovic lends support to Ukraine, Sergiy Stakhovsky in fight against Russia