Ukrainian tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky's biggest tennis scalp was probably when he knocked out Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2013. Three years earlier, he reached his highest position in the world rankings with a 31st place.
This year, the 36-year-old ended his tennis career in Melbourne, where he made one last attempt to qualify for a grand slam tournament.
With his wife and three children, living in Hungarian Budapest, as well as a growing company, he still saw a bright future.
- I had never in my life been able to imagine ending up in this situation, he says to Australian ABC.
"Extremely difficult"
After all, everything was put on hold when Russia invaded his homeland.
He said goodbye to the family, crossed the border, and joined the Ukrainian defense forces.
- I know how to use a weapon.
I hope I will never have to use it, but if I have to, I have to, he tells the BBC.
The children and wife Anfisa remain in Hungary.
He thinks she told them he went to another tennis tournament.
- I know that it is extremely difficult for my wife.
My children do not know I'm here.
They do not understand war.
They are too small to understand what is happening, he says.
No easy decision
Now he is patrolling the streets of the capital Kiev with weapons in hand.
In photos on Instagram, he can be seen wearing a military vest in a safety vest.
- I do not take this decision lightly, and I guess I am as scared as everyone else.
But there is a certain level of fear that once you reach it, it can not get worse, he tells Australian ABC.
Recently, Stakhovsky shared a screenshot from a conversation with tennis star Novak Djokovic in which he thanked the world number two for his support.
Among other things, the Serb offered financial support if needed.
- All this pressure around the world from all areas and all sectors, whether it is sports or culture, it helps.
It creates an environment where Russians within the country begin to ask themselves: Do we need this? ”, Stakhovsky tells ABC.