In brief
Elina Svitolina announced the end of her marriage to French tennis legend Gaël Monfils, saying the emotional toll of the ongoing Ukraine war pushed her toward separation. The 32‑year‑old, ranked world No. 6, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram acknowledging the conflict’s impact on her inner world. She praised Monfils’ understanding, yet explained that the battle was inside her. Their four‑year‑old daughter will remain their shared priority. Monfils, who is winding down his career and preparing for a finance role, confirmed his retirement as the family moves forward.
Elina Svitolina, the world No. 6 Ukrainian tennis star, has publicly ended her marriage to French former player Gaël Monfils. She explained that the emotional impact of the war in Ukraine had taken a toll on her personal life, prompting the decision.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Svitolina described the war’s effect as a hidden struggle that she could not fully recover from within the marriage. She praised Monfils for his respect and support, yet noted that some internal battles cannot be won by external help.
The couple, who wed in 2021 and share a four‑year‑old daughter named Skai, clarified that their child will remain their priority. Their family remains intact despite the marital split.
Monfils, the former world No. 6, has already confirmed his retirement from professional tennis during the Paris Masters, and he is set to launch a new career in finance with a Swiss wealth‑management firm.
