In brief
Ukrainian champion Elina Svitolina revealed that the emotional toll of the war in her homeland led to the dissolution of her marriage with French former star Gaël Monfils. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she explained how the conflict had shaken her inner life and made it impossible to find herself within the partnership. Monfils, who has been supportive, praised her strength and expressed respect for her decision. Despite the split, both players emphasize that their 4‑year‑old daughter Skai will remain the centre of their lives. Monfils, who has announced his retirement and is moving into a finance career, wrapped up his on‑court career after 13 ATP titles.
Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has announced that her marriage to French former player Gael Monfils has ended, saying the war in her country had a profound emotional impact.
Svitolina posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, describing how the conflict and what the war has done to me inside has weighed heavily on her.
She said she needed to find her way back to herself, a goal she could not achieve while married.
Monfils listened, respected her needs with a strength and grace he said he would never forget.
She wrote that some battles happen deep inside you, and no amount of love from someone else can win them for you.
The hardest thing she has ever had to tell the person she loves.
Everyone knows how much Ukraine means to her, she said, recalling her Odesa hometown that has been heavily bombed since Russia’s full‑scale invasion in February 2022.
The sleepless nights, doubts and feeling of slowly losing herself weight heavily on her.
The couple married in 2021 and share a four‑year‑old daughter, Skai, who will always come first as they end their marriage but keep their family intact.
Monfils, who announced his retirement at the Paris Masters, was confirmed last week when he was listed as a retired player by the International Tennis Integrity Authority.
Once a player is removed from anti‑doping protocols they are no longer eligible to compete in professional tournaments.
With 13 ATP titles, Monfils will transition to a finance career after joining a Swiss wealth‑management firm.
