Ukrainian tennis hero's frightening post amid war against Russia

Retired Ukrainian tennis player Alexandr Dolgopolov has painted a stark reminder about the sacrifices he and other athletes are making for their country, in the war against Russia.

Dolgopolov - whose best Grand Slam showing was a run to the Australian Open quarterfinals in 2011 - has returned home to take up arms and defend his native city Kyiv from the Russian invasion.

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The 33-year-old, who was forced to retire from tennis in 2021 due to a serious wrist injury, is one of a number of Ukrainian athletes - past and present - to take up arms for their nation against Russian President Vladimir Putin's bloody invasion.

Legenedary Ukrainian boxing brothers and former heavyweight world champions Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko announced last month that they were joining the front lines to fight for Ukraine.

Current heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk also announced earlier this month that he has 'no fear' defending his nation during the invasion from Russia, after being photographed dressed in military gear back home.

Lightweight boxing icon Vasily Lomachenko, a three-division champ, took a photo dressed in military gear and carrying an assault rifle after he returned to defend his hometown in the Odessa region.

The startling image of the champ, who joined a territorial defence battalion, follows the path of other Ukrainian sport stars helping out in the war-torn nation.

Tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky also left his family in Hungary to return home and help defend his nation.

Now Dolgopolov has become the latest to take up arms for Ukraine, with the 33-year-old's social media post putting the sacrifice into stark perspective.

"Used to be rackets and strings, now this," he wrote in a post on social media alongside a photo of a rifle, helmet and flak jacket.

"Hi Kiev, I'm back to help with what I can and defend our home," the 33-year-old who climbed to a highest rank of 13 in 2012, also told his Instagram followers.

Dolgopolov - who won three ATP Tour titles in his career - said he had returned to help Ukraine's struggle after being taught how to handle a rifle "with an ex professional soldier" during a visit to Turkey where he had taken his mother and sister for safety.

"I'm not Rambo in a week, but quite comfortable with the weapons," he wrote.

"This is my home and we will defend it."

Ukraine star praises Novak Djokovic gesture

Fellow Ukrainian tennis icon Stakhovsky recently praised Novak Djokovic for a touching act of generosity during the bloody war with Russia.

Having previously called out tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal for remaining silent when he contacted them for support, Stakhovsky shared details of a classy offer from Djokovic.

The former World No.31 posted a screenshot to his Instagram account that showed a WhatsApp exchange between himself and Djokovic, and a touching offer of help from the Serb.

“Thinking of you... hope all calms down soon,” Djokovic said in a series of messages to Stakhovsky.

“Please let me know what would be the best address to send help. Financial help, any other help as well...”

Stakhovsky replied with a love heart and a thank you emoji, before revealing that he was on the ground in Ukraine's capital, Kiev.

The 36-year-old's latest post came after fairly brutal swipe at Federer and Nadal, who he accused of failing to respond to his attempts to reach out over the situation in Ukraine.

“I also tried to contact Federer and Nadal but without success,” he said.

“I am sorry that you prefer to remain silent, although I understand them. It’s not their war.”

with agencies

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