Tennis Star Svitolina Says Emotional Toll of Ukraine War Led to Separation from Monfils
Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has announced the end of her marriage to French former tennis player Gael Monfils, citing the emotional impact of the war in her country.
The 32-year-old, who is ranked number six in the world, wrote in a heartfelt post on Instagram about the effect of the conflict and what the war has done to her inside. She wrote that this is the most difficult thing she has ever had to share.
Svitolina said she needs to find her way back to herself. In her words, she felt she could not do that within her marriage.
Writing about her husband Monfils, she said the 40-year-old listened and respected what she needs with a strength and grace she will never forget.
The four-time Grand Slam semi-finalist wrote that some battles happen deep inside you, and no amount of love from someone else can win them for you. She said telling the person she loves was the hardest thing she has ever had to do.
Svitolina, who grew up in Odesa, said everyone knows how much Ukraine means to her. Ukraine's Black Sea port city has been heavily bombed by Russia throughout the war. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
She wrote that what people did not see were the sleepless nights, the doubts, and the feeling of slowly losing herself.
The tennis power couple married in 2021 and have one child together — a four-year-old daughter called Skai. Svitolina said her daughter will always come first, adding that their marriage is ending, but their family is not.
Monfils, a former world number six, was expected to play the final tournament of his career at next month's Paris Masters in an emotional farewell. However, the two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist's retirement was effectively confirmed last week when he appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Authority's list of retired players.
Once a player removes themselves from anti-doping protocols, they are not eligible to compete in professional tournaments. Monfils, who won 13 titles on the ATP Tour, is preparing to start a new career in finance after joining a Swiss wealth management firm.
Monfils and Svitolina played mixed doubles together at this year's US Open and reached the semi-finals. After that joint journey on court, this separation in personal life has created an emotional response in the tennis world.
Svitolina's announcement showed once again that the wounds of war are not confined to the battlefield — they reach deep into the personal lives of Ukrainians living in different parts of the world.
