‘The Ukrainian People Are Incredible’ – John Millman Is All Praise for Sergiy Stakhovsky After His Will to Defend His Country

The geopolitical tensions have kept the world on the brink. The entire globe is in dismay with the turn of events in Eastern Europe. Further, with the situation deteriorating day by day, the condition is turning out to be critical. Recently, Ukrainian tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky had admitted to joining the reserve force to defend his country.

John Millman hit hard by the situation of Sergiy Stakhovsky

Australian tennis player and World Number 80, John Millman, praised Sergiy Stakhovsky after the latter decided to join the reserve force to defend his country. He said, “Seeing a colleague like Sergiy Stakhovsky join the reserve to defend his country hits hard.. the Ukrainian people are incredible.”

The Ukrainian tennis star had opened up on joining the reserves last week although he didn’t have military experience. Moreover, he said, “The army opened up the reserves and everybody who is willing to fight had to come in and collect the weapons and to be a part of territorial resistance. As plenty of people in them, I actually signed up the reserves last week.”

Further, he added, “I just didn’t have enough documents to sign the contract. Everyone who is motivated enough can join. I don’t have military experience but I do have gun experience, privately. I don’t see the reason why majority of my countrymen have to risk their lives to send their families.”

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On the tennis front, the two players have faced each other on three occasions, including two qualifying rounds. Further, their only main draw battle against each other was at the US Open in 2015. Sergiy Stakhovsky defeated John Millman in the first round there 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4.

Sergiy Stakhovsky’s tennis career

At 36, the Ukrainian is past his prime. Stakhovsky is famous for his victory over Roger Federer at The Championships, Wimbledon in 2013. He knocked out the Swiss maestro in the second round there, to stage the upset of the tournament.

However, Stakhovsky couldn’t continue the winning momentum as he lost in the next round to Jurgen Melzer. Over his career spanning around 20 years, the 36-year-old has won four titles in singles and doubles each. Further, his only tournament this year was at the Australian Open, where he lost in the qualifiers.

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