In brief
Elina Svitolina has announced the end of her marriage to Gaël Monfils, citing the emotional effects of the war in Ukraine as the key factor. The 32‑year‑old posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying she could not find herself back within the marriage and she needed to rebuild alone. Monfils praised Svitolina’s strength and grace, while the pair assure that their daughter Skai will remain a priority. The couple had married in 2021 and have one child together.
Elina Svitolina, one of the world’s top Ukrainian tennis players, made an emotional announcement on Instagram that she is ending her marriage with French former professional Gaël Monfils. In the post, she discussed how the ongoing war in her homeland had taken a heavy toll on her inner life, making it difficult for her to stay in the relationship.
Svitolina explained that she felt she could not find her way back to herself inside the marriage, and Monfils reportedly listened and respected her needs with an admirable grace. She described the battles she faced as deep inside, stating that even the strongest love cannot carry one through such internal struggles.
The couple married in 2021 and share a four‑year‑old daughter, Skai. Svitolina emphasised that while her marriage is ending, the family unit remains unchanged, with the child taking priority above all.
Monfils, formerly ranked world number six, is expected to retire from professional tennis in the near future, following his retirement status being confirmed by the International Tennis Integrity Authority. After his playing days, he is reportedly planning a career in finance with a Swiss wealth management firm.
The announcement comes amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began with a full‑scale invasion by Russia in February 2022 and has caused significant loss and disruption across the country.
