The impact of the war on tennis in Ukraine: financial aid, foundations, governing bodies and all‑round headaches
Since February 2022 and the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Ukrainian sport has been heavily affected by human, structural and economic losses.
Tennis has, of course, not been spared.
While Ukrainian athletes have had to rethink their entire organization, an entire country, behind the scenes, has had to adapt and change its training conditions. This extends all the way to the highest level, where professional players have spoken out, trying as best they can to help their nation.
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“I’m much more laid back and relaxed than a normal tennis player. A lot of tennis players are pretty weird.I like to think that I’m a little bit more normal,” Paul told the ATP website.
“Obviously when I’m home I hang out with Reilly or whoever down there, but then I have friends who aren’t in sports. I like to say that I’m normal, but at the same time it’s impossible to be with the schedule. “Everyone wants to plan events and do stuff, and I’m like I’m in Monaco or Russia or something. That’s different, but for the most part I like to live a 24-year-old’s lifestyle”.
Brad Stine, who was once coaching former world No. Jim Courier, insists Paul is a great guy and he absolutely loves working with him. “I’ve known Tommy really since he was about 14 or 15 when I first went back to the USTA.
He’s just such a personable guy. He just draws you in. It’s hard not to root for Tommy Paul when you’re around him and get to know him,” Stine said. “That makes you want to be that much more invested in what goes on with him.
You want to see him have success because of that. “He’s a guy who makes losing hurt if that makes sense. The winning is always nice, but the losing hurts more when you’re with someone whom you’re that invested in”