In brief
Elina Svitolina, a former world‑top‑tennis player, announced a divorce from Gaël Monfils after a year of marriage. In a heartfelt message on Instagram, she explained that the ongoing war in Ukraine has taken an emotional toll that she cannot overcome within the relationship. Monfils’ support is noted, but Svitolina stresses the need to focus on her four‑year‑old daughter. The pair had tied the knot in 2021 and celebrated a semi‑final at the US Open that year. Meanwhile, the French star is preparing to retire from the ATP Tour and launch a career in finance.
Elina Svitolina, ranked sixth in the world, announced that her marriage to French ex‑pro Ar Gaël Monfils will end this year. The 32‑year‑old revealed that the war in Ukraine has taken an emotional toll she can no longer live with inside the relationship.
In a short publication on her Instagram feed she wrote that the decision is the hardest she has ever had to share and that she needs to find her way back to herself—something she feels she cannot do while married.
Monfils has described Svitolina’s decision with admiration, thanking her for listening and respecting her needs with “strength and grace” that she will never forget.
The athlete described how the conflict in her native city of Odesa, which has suffered repeated bombings since Russia’s full‑scale invasion in 2022, has eroded parts of her identity. She spoke of sleepless nights, doubts, and slowly losing herself.
Though the pair wed in 2021, they keep their four‑year‑old daughter, Skai, as their priority. “Our marriage is ending, but our family is not,” Svitolina affirmed.
Monfils, who has already confirmed his retirement on the International Tennis Integrity Authority list, is set to play the final tournament of his career at the Paris Masters before stepping away from competition. He is now preparing to transition to a career in finance, joining a Swiss wealth‑management firm.
The next chapter for Svitolina involves returning to full‑time play, dedicating herself to her daughter’s upbringing, and perhaps embracing new roles beyond the tennis court as she navigates life after a difficult marriage and the ongoing strain of war.
