"I put out Novak Djokovic's message because I know for Ukrainians, that would matter, he understands what our kids are going through" - Sergiy Stakhovsky

Novak Djokovic recently sent a few heartfelt messages to Sergiy Stakhovsky, offering his support to the Ukrainian amidst the Ukraine-Russia war.

Djokovic offered soothing words and financial help to the former pro. Touched by the Serb's gesture, Stakhovsky uploaded a screenshot of the 20-time Major champion's messages on social media.

Now, in a recent interview with Eurosport, Stakhovsky revealed that he posted Djokovic's messages on social media so as to uplift the morale of his fellow Ukrainians.

"I put out Novak's (message) with his permission because I know for Ukrainians, that would matter,” Stakhovsky said.

The 36-year-old also revealed that he chose to post Djokovic's message ahead of the likes of Richard Gasquet, Lucas Pouille, and Aljaz Bedene. Stakhovsky explained that he did this because the Serb's immense popularity would mean that his message resonated across all corners of his nation.

“Not all the Ukrainians would know Richard Gasquet or Lucas Pouille or Aljaz Bedene, or all the other guys, but they will see that he (Novak Djokovic) is supportive, that he understands that he condemns what's going on, that's the most important part - raise the spirit of the Ukrainians a bit," Stakhovsky said.

Novak Djokovic hails from a war-torn region, having survived NATO's 1999 bombing of his hometown of Belgrade. As such, Stakhovsky explained that the Serb is aware of the impacts of war and understands what civilians go through in such moments.

“He (Novak Djokovic) completely understands what our kids are going through right now in Ukraine, when they live in the metro stations," Sergiy Stakhovsky said. "So, you know, it's something that I wish no one would have to go through.”

“It was, of course, special to hear messages from players," he added. "Novak is different because Novak lived through hell when he was young."

“I would never imagine in my life that it would come to this, that I would be in my home city patrolling in a home-made vest, with a gun in my hands" - Sergiy Stakhovsky

Sergiy Stakhovsky at Wimbledon in 2013

Sergiy Stakhovsky signed up for Ukraine's military reserves a few weeks ago. During the conversation with Eurosport, he revealed how he's already patrolling the streets of his country, fully equipped for combat.

“I would never imagine in my life that it would come to this, that I would be in my home city patrolling in a home-made vest, with a gun in my hands," he said.

He revealed that he never imagined Russia would invade Ukraine despite the warnings of the British and American intelligence units.

"I mean, five days before the war was in Kyiv, and a lot of people in American and British intelligence saying that Russia will invade, even then I was 100 per cent sure it's not going to happen," Stakhovsky said. "I said there was no chance Russia openly would go into war, invade Ukraine - on what pretext?"

“There is no pretext for it. So I don't have to go far. I mean, I'm still, you know, a lot of people are saying that they're waking up and hoping," he added. "It was just a bad dream. But on day 16, (that) doesn't work anymore."

The 36-year-old highlighted how the first few days of the war felt "surreal."

“First couple of days, (it's) surreal," he said. "You don't believe that it's actually happening. And the next thing you know, you get used to it and you're just trying to find a way of helping your country to actually survive."