In 2011, Alexandr Dolgopolov made headlines by reaching the Australian Open’s quarter-finals. Now, his thoughts are seldom on tennis.
Formerly ranked as the world’s 13th best player, Dolgopolov, who boasts a victory over tennis giant Rafael Nadal, has traded his racket for military gear as a soldier.
He is among the myriad of Ukrainians who took arms to safeguard their homeland in the ongoing conflict with Russia, following the invasion in March 2022. Dolgopolov, 35, underwent military training to master weapon use.
Confronting life-threatening situations and witnessing the injury or death of fellow soldiers has been his reality, a stark contrast to his days in the ATP Tour.
Reflecting on his battlefield experiences, Dolgopolov, who retired in 2021 due to a persistent wrist injury, expressed to BBC Radio 4 the intensity and fear of combat.
He advocates for the ban of Russian players in tennis, emphasizing the terror and unpredictability of warfare, where every second and every missile whistling through the air can be life-altering.
Currently aligned with Ukraine’s Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) in Zaporizhzhia, Dolgopolov is temporarily stationed in Kyiv, preparing for his next mission.
He recounts the harrowing experiences of artillery and air strikes, describing a particularly intense day with near-misses from mortar attacks. Amidst random firings and intense combat, survival becomes a precarious gamble.
Dolgopolov mourns lost comrades, including a Georgian soldier from his unit and another who was maimed. With the war’s lengthening duration, the toll of death and injury rises.
As Ukraine approaches two years of conflict, its struggles for financial and military support persist, even as President Zelensky plans to bolster the military with up to 500,000 additional personnel.
Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, expressed grave concerns about diminishing foreign aid in a BBC interview, emphasizing the dire need for continued Western support.
Echoing these sentiments, Dolgopolov stressed the urgent need for more comprehensive aid. He critically analyzes the war’s progress and notes Russia’s advantages in manpower and artillery.
With a call for increased global awareness and action, Dolgopolov highlights the broader implications of the conflict, urging the West to recognize its significance beyond Ukraine’s borders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Alexandr Dolgopolov War Story
What is Alexandr Dolgopolov’s current role in the Ukraine war?
Former tennis player Alexandr Dolgopolov has transitioned from sports to serving as a soldier in the Ukrainian army. He has been involved in frontline combat and is currently stationed in Kyiv, awaiting his next assignment with Ukraine’s Directorate of Intelligence (GUR).
How did Alexandr Dolgopolov’s tennis career end?
Dolgopolov retired from professional tennis in 2021 due to a recurring wrist injury. His career highlights include reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in 2011 and achieving a world ranking of 13th.
What are Dolgopolov’s views on the participation of Russian players in tennis?
Alexandr Dolgopolov advocates for the ban of Russian players in tennis tournaments, reflecting his stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing conflict.
What does Dolgopolov say about the challenges faced by Ukrainian soldiers?
Dolgopolov describes the challenges faced on the battlefield, including close encounters with artillery fire and the loss of comrades. He emphasizes the intensity of combat and the unpredictability of survival in such conditions.
What is Dolgopolov’s opinion on the international response to the Ukraine war?
Dolgopolov criticizes the international response to the Ukraine war, stating that the aid provided is not sufficient in terms of speed and quantity. He urges the global community to recognize the broader implications of the war and increase support for Ukraine.
More about Alexandr Dolgopolov War Story
- BBC News Article: The original BBC News article covering Alexandr Dolgopolov’s transition from tennis to soldier and his views on the Ukraine conflict.
- Alexandr Dolgopolov’s Tennis Profile: A profile of Alexandr Dolgopolov’s tennis career on the ATP Tour website, highlighting his achievements in the sport.
- Ukraine Conflict Overview: Background information on the Ukraine conflict provided by BBC News to understand the context of Dolgopolov’s involvement.
- Ukraine’s Call for International Support: Details on Ukraine’s appeal for international support in the ongoing conflict, as mentioned in the text.
- Russian Tennis Players Ban: Information on discussions and actions related to banning Russian tennis players from international tournaments.
5 comments
Wow, Dolgopolov’s transition is nuts. Hope he gets the support Ukraine needs, ya know?
It’s sad to see a sports star go through this. Dolgopolov’s story shows the real-world struggles.
The world should step up and help Ukraine more. Dolgopolov’s right, it’s a big war that affects everyone.
This story’s like a movie plot, man. From the court to the warzone, Dolgopolov’s life is wild!
Dolgopolov’s tennis career took a real twist, innit? From playin’ Nadal to battlin’ Russians. Respect!