Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has announced that her marriage to French tennis player Gael Monfils is coming to an end. She revealed that the emotional impact of the war in Ukraine has played a significant role in her personal struggles. Svitolina shared the news in an emotional social media statement on October 19, and explained how she needs to find her way back to herself after years of dealing with difficulties away from the tennis court. She also expressed gratitude to Monfils for supporting her through some of her darkest moments.
“Everyone knows how much Ukraine means to me. What I have rarely spoken about is what the war has done to me inside. This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to share,” she wrote in her social media post.
“Gael saw all of it. He never let go of my hand. We fought through this together for a long time, with everything we had. But some battles happen deep inside you, and no amount of love from someone else can win them for you.”
“Please know that there is no one to blame here. There are only two people who loved each other deeply and a story that is changing shape” she went on to say. “Skai will always come first. Our marriage is ending, but our family is not. We will always be her parents, side by side, at every step of her life.”
The couple got married in July 2021 and welcomed their daughter, Skai, in October 2022. Despite their separation, Svitolina stressed that their daughter would remain their top priority and that they would continue raising her together.
Svitolina reflects on personal struggles beyond tennis
The Ukrainian admitted that the war had an impact on her emotional and mental well-being and it was something she rarely discussed publicly. She had previously stepped away from tennis before the end of the 2025 season, stating she needed time to recover and recharge after a demanding year.
Her latest statement offered a more personal insight into the challenges she had been facing. She acknowledged that Monfils had stood by her throughout the difficult period and said she would always be grateful for the way she respected her decision.
The announcement of their separation comes shortly after Monfils’ professional tennis career came to an end. The 40-year-old Frenchman, a former World No. 6 and a winner of 13 ATP singles titles, had initially planned to retire at the end of the 2026 season.
