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Former professional tennis player Aleksandr Dolgopolov has shared the devastating reality he now faces since dedicating himself to the Ukrainian army amid Russia’s extensive invasion. Once a consistent Grand Slam competitor, reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in 2011, Dolgopolov hung up his racket in 2021 after a commendable career. Today, however, his existence is starkly different as he grapples with survival on the battlefield.
Dolgopolov reached an impressive rank of number 13 in the ATP standings back in 2012 and was known for competing against legends such as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Notably, he even managed to triumph over Rafael Nadal in both 2014 and 2015. However, when Vladimir Putin’s regime launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Dolgopolov felt an overwhelming obligation to act rather than remain passive. Proudly identifying as a patriot, Dolgopolov didn’t hesitate to swap his tennis equipment for military gear and report for duty at the front lines.
“My conscience urged me forward; it told me that I had to take action immediately,” he recounted. “But I was completely inexperienced with firearms—so my journey began by searching for a shooting range nearby in Antalya.” In an eye-opening interview with Germany’s Der Spiegel magazine, Dolgopolov described his current role as a drone operator while sharing insights into life amidst conflict.
“On one hand, I’m honored to defend my nation,” he expressed earnestly. “Yet all I truly desire is peace.” He admitted feeling a profound lack of serenity amidst constant reports of casualties among innocent civilians and fellow soldiers alike: “There isn’t a day that goes by without receiving news about lives lost.”
Reflecting on harrowing experiences from summer 2023 during operations near Zaporizhia Region highlights his traumatic journey: “My unit was conducting reconnaissance using drones when we unexpectedly came under fire,” he explained. “We quickly sought refuge inside a trench just as explosions rattled our surroundings.” He continued by stressing how close detonations can be devastating: “When grenades land less than eight meters away from you? It could easily end your life or leave you severely injured.”
After enduring this terrifying attack where multiple rounds were fired at them before serenity returned momentarily, Dolgopolov found himself hospitalized for several days due to concussion symptoms—a stark reminder of war’s brutality.
Now facing threats each passing moment brings while confronting themes surrounding mortality itself prompts him towards unsettling thoughts: “To be frank; life’s fragility frightens me more than death does,” indicated Dolgopolov candidly. “Living in body heavily altered due to injuries would surpass any fear.”
While direct combat hasn’t come into play during his service yet; through operating drones overhead seeing death unfold firsthand remains haunting—the memories linger endlessly post-action execution scenes captured remotely mean daunting human toll taken elsewhere felt personally by him daily.
As concerns about life post-war surface—he echoes simplicity over anything grand—the desire resonates through every fiber: pure existence remains foremost intention moving forward despite disentangling trauma lingering deep down inside him following drastic changes encountered previously contributing immensely towards personal evolution experienced thereupon witnessing tragedies transpire regularly rather quickly encounter face-to-face leads resultant situational reevaluation resulting therein emphasized perspective ignored otherwise lived hereafter altogether properly visualized deeply involuntary compared across present context—“Currently all I strive towards is merely achieving survival,” said passionately compounded belief system conceptualized wisely garnered experience underlying developments transforming unease introspectively forced outlook refinement guided perspectives enlightened exponentially wider open towards transformative change combatted constantly uninvited till now transformed dynamically wholly unaccounted upcoming future ahead eagerly sought envisioned fulfilled objectives achieved coinciding vantage provided shared learned interactively established across journeys undertaken onward always remembering profoundly shocking realizations brought forward enlighten reflections imparted benevolently exchanged tales forth wise choice remaining eternally intertwined closely within inseparable emotional fabric assisting healing power inherently warranted deserve universally upheld above all regardless perceived identity cherished earned transcending barriers forged fruitfully amongst ardent sentiments remaining solidified focused movements inspired growth tremendous overcoming rooted determined tenacity manifested accomplishments rooted founded strength pursuing noble missions relentlessly liberty fostered positive lasting futures inspire those still trapped awaiting dawn renewed reconciliation.”
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