The world’s oldest tennis player has decided to remain in the Ukraine conflict zone. Stanislavskyi, who holds the Guinness World Report because the world’s oldest tennis participant, additionally had goals of taking part in Swiss nice Roger Federer however now he has just one easy want — survival.
“I hope I dwell to succeed in 100. I’ve to outlive this scary state of affairs,” he instructed Reuters.
“The battle began on (February) twenty fourth. From the twenty fourth until now I’ve virtually not gone out. I’ve stayed at dwelling… I’ve provides, the fridge is full. I am sitting at dwelling, not going anyplace,” he mentioned.
“My daughter Tanya is in Poland, she desires to take me there. However I made a decision to remain right here. I’ve unhealthy listening to so I sleep at night time and do not hear something. Final night time there have been bombings, within the morning there have been air-raid sirens once more.”
Stanislavskyi survived the Second World Battle, when he was an engineer who helped construct Soviet warplanes to struggle the Nazis.
“I by no means thought that I must dwell by means of one other, extra scary battle the place individuals from each side are dying — moms are shedding their youngsters, wives are shedding their sons and their husbands,” he added.
“What is that this? What good is it? Within the twenty first century there cannot be battle. The battle must be stopped, an settlement must be reached.”
For Stanislavskyi, an finish to the battle would additionally imply the prospect to renew taking part in tennis – and presumably to look on the subsequent seniors World Championships, in Florida subsequent month.
He was 30 when he was launched to the game and used to coach thrice every week.
“Tennis is my life, my future. I’ve performed tennis at a critical stage since I used to be 90, I’ve performed overseas, I’ve performed in World Championships, I’ve performed within the European Championships.”
“I am not afraid of anybody… I am hoping that the battle will finish and I will play tennis. If I may get (to Poland) I’d play there. However I made a decision to remain at dwelling and watch for the tip of the battle,” he mentioned.
