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War in Ukraine: tennis player Alexandr Dolgopolov on life as a soldier

Occasionally, Alexandr Dolgopolov still thinks about tennis. But not very often.

Dolgopolov, once ranked 13th in the world and with a notable win over Rafael Nadal on his CV, now lives another life, as a soldier.

The 2011 Australian Open quarter-finalist is one of thousands of Ukrainians fighting on the frontline to defend his nation in the war with Russia.

Dolgopolov, 35, joined up when Russia invaded its eastern European neighbours in March 2022, and was provided with military training to teach him how to use weapons.

He has feared for his life under Russian attack, and has seen colleagues seriously injured or killed.