On Thursday, Sergiy Stakhovsky revealed his unpleasant interactions with Viktor Troicki and Janko Tipsarevic on social media. The former Ukrainian player criticized the retired Serbian stars for playing in the exhibition match in Russia while that nation invaded Ukraine.
The exhibition event, North Palmyra Trophies 2022, is being organized by Formula Tennis Hockey LLC. The six-team tournament is scheduled to take place at the Sibur Arena in St. Petersburg from December 1–4.
After failing to make the main draw of the 2022 Australian Open, Sergiy Stakhovsky announced his retirement from professional tennis in January. The 36-year-old enlisted in his nation’s military reserves and joined the conflict shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in February. He made public his conversations with his colleagues because he was enraged that they were going to Russia to perform at an exhibition event.
“Disappointing Victor. To see you in Russia. But I guess money can buy it all,” Stakhovsky wrote to Troicki.
“To be in the country of my grandparents is priceless! You are an Instagram clown who confused politics and sports. This has nothing to do with the war, but since you mention it, me and my country went through all the shit and never ever got support! So please shut the f*ck up,” Troicki replied.
Sergiy Stakhovsky in 2022
Currently the world no.678, Stakhovsky played his last match on the 11th of January when he lost to world no.66 Jeff Wolf 6-3 6-4 in the qualifications of the Australian Open (draw).
Currently, during this season Stakhovsky owns a 0-1 win-loss record.