Alexandr Dolgopolov won three titles on the ATP tour during his career, was in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in 2011 and even sniffed the top 10 in January 2012 as 13th in the world rankings – events that could hardly be further from what the former tennis star is currently experiencing.
The Ukrainian, who ended his career in 2021, is currently defending his homeland against the war of aggression initiated by Russian ruler Vladimir Putin. In two interviews, Dolgopolov has now described how his life currently looks.
“I learned how to shoot in Turkey for a week because I had never touched a gun before. A former soldier taught me. I can now handle a pistol and shoot accurately at a target,” said the 33-year-old from the French”L’Equipe” quoted. “I am ready to shoot at the Russian attackers,” adds Dolgopolov.
Dolgopolov was previously in Turkey because he had brought his mother and family to safety there after the outbreak of war. For the man from Kiev, there was no question that he would return to the Ukraine himself. “It wasn’t a difficult decision. I’ve seen my country need help, I’ve seen our government fight back. Our president is here, a lot of famous people are here… I had to be there too.”
After a few days, he simply couldn’t stand watching the crimes on the news from afar.
Prominent people with important roles in the war
The former tennis star explains the fact that he suddenly felt compelled to take up arms to the brutal actions of the Russian aggressors. “I know friends whose entire family was wiped out! They kill our children, they kill our wives.” Of course, the terrible events have nothing to do with “normal life,” “but this is war. If you don’t shoot, you’ll be killed,” Dolgopolov explained to “L’Équipe”.
Moreover, even without in-depth military training, Dolgopolov believes he can play an important role.
“If everyone leaves the country, their homeland, and an empty city is left, consisting only of soldiers – where should the motivation come from to fight to the end? I think it’s important that prominent people show that the Ukrainian population supports the army, even if it is not fighting in the front line. Raise money, speak in the media, get food and medicine – whatever someone can do is helpful,” Dolgopolov explains to the TV channel “Eurosport“, to which he also answered questions.
However, courage alone will not be enough to improve the situation in Ukraine. This is also what the West demands.