In brief
Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina announced the end of her marriage to French ex‑player Gaël Monfils, blaming the emotional toll of the war at home. The 32‑year‑old, world No.6, shared a heartfelt Instagram message stating she could not recover her sense of self within their partnership. Monfils, 40, praised her for the grace with which she handled the decision, while their four‑year‑old daughter Skai remains central to both parents. Svitolina, who grew up in Odesa, clarified that although the couple’s marriage ends, their family will continue intact amid ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has announced the end of her marriage with French former tennis player Gaël Monfils, saying that the emotional impact of the war in her homeland was the main reason for the split.
The 32‑year‑old, currently ranked sixth in the world, posted a heartfelt note on Instagram, explaining how the conflict has eroded her sense of self and how she needed to focus on her own healing within herself.
She praised her former husband for listening and respecting her need, describing his response with “strength and grace” that she will never forget.
Throughout the war, Svitolina has endured sleepless nights and doubts after seeing her home city of Odesa repeatedly bombed, a reality she said was impossible to bear within her personal life.
Monfils, who has retired from professional play and will be entering a new career in finance, and Svitolina, who has one four‑year‑old daughter named Skai, confirmed that their marriage is ending but their family remains together.
The couple wed in 2021 after PDA played as a powerful tennis pair on the world stage, famously reaching the US Open mixed‑doubles semi‑finals together.
Despite this personal upheaval, Svitolina’s focus continues on her tennis career and on the broader situation in Ukraine, while Monfils looks ahead to his next chapter beyond the sport.
