Ukrainian tennis star Sergiy Stakhovsky returns to his country to fight Russia

Ukrainian tennis star Sergiy Stakhovsky is known for representing his nation on the court, but now he’s preparing to do the same on the battlefield.

Ukrainian tennis star Sergiy Stakhovsky is known for representing his nation on the court, but now he's preparing to do the same on the battlefield.

"I just had this strong feeling that I have to do it," Stakhovsky said in an interview on ABC News Live on Thursday.

Stakhovsky was vacationing with his family in Dubai when Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. Almost immediately, he made the tough decision to say goodbye to his wife and children to defend their country. He's become a member of the army reservists, helping to protect Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.

"I didn't really say goodbye to the kids. I just kissed them goodbye, and I said that I'll be right back. They were watching cartoons and reading books, not really paying attention," Stakhovsky said, explaining they were unaware of why their father was leaving their trip early.