Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has announced the end of her marriage to French former player Gael Monfils, pointing to the deep emotional impact of the ongoing conflict in her homeland.
The world number six, who grew up in Odesa, shared an emotional statement on Instagram detailing the heavy toll of the war and “what the war has done to me inside.”
Calling it the hardest thing she has ever had to share, the 32-year-old explained that she needs to find her way back to herself, a journey she felt was impossible within her marriage.
Svitolina praised her 40-year-old husband, noting that Monfils listened and respected her needs with unforgettable strength and grace. Monfils and Svitolina played in the mixed doubles together at this year’s US Open and reached the semi-finals.
Describing internal struggles that no amount of love can conquer, she noted that telling the person she loves was the most difficult conversation of her life. And no amount of love from someone else can win them for you,” the four-time Grand Slam semi-finalist wrote, some battles happen deep inside you.
Reflecting on her upbringing in Odesa—a Black Sea port repeatedly bombed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022—she emphasized how deeply Ukraine matters to her, noting the sleepless nights and doubts she experienced. The doubts, and the feeling of slowly losing myself, what you didn’t see were the sleepless nights.
The prominent tennis couple wed in 2021 and share a four-year-old daughter named Skai. Svitolina stated that their child will always be her top priority, emphasizing that while their marriage is concluding, their family remains intact.
