Elina Svitolina with Gael Monfils. (Pic credit: Elina’s Instagram Post)
Monfils finished his career with 13 ATP titles and reached two Grand Slam semifinals. The statement came four days after Svitolina announced their separation, explaining that the emotional strain of Russia’s war in Ukraine and other personal challenges had affected her deeply.
Svitolina reportedly told Monfils during a phone call in late September that she wanted to end their marriage, according to French sports newspaper L’Équipe. The French player expressed his disappointment with the negative reactions and urged fans to respect their private lives instead of blaming Svitolina for his early retirement. In an emotional Instagram statement shared Friday, Monfils thanked Svitolina for supporting him throughout his career and criticized the harsh comments directed at her. Monfils was in Dubai with their daughter, Skai, while Svitolina was competing in Beijing. His final professional singles match was his second-round defeat to Learner Tien at the US Open. The backlash also drew criticism from former Australian player and coach Rennae Stubbs, who reminded fans that outsiders cannot fully understand what happens within a marriage.