In brief
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Elina Svitolina announced the divorce from former world No.6 Gaël Monfils, blaming the psychological strain of war in her homeland. The Ukrainian champion, ranked sixth globally, explained that she could no longer return to herself within the marriage. She praised Monfils’ support but revealed that the battles inside were beyond anyone’s rescue. The couple, married in 2021, share a four‑year‑old daughter, Skai, whom Svitolina affirmed will remain her top priority. Monfils, meanwhile, has confirmed his retirement and is preparing for a finance career.
Svitolina reveals Ukraine war was the trigger behind her split with Monfils
Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has announced the end of her marriage with French former champion Gaël Monfils, saying the relentless war in her homeland has taken a heavy toll on her mental well‑being.
The 32‑year‑old, who is currently ranked world No.6, shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, describing how the conflict and “what the war has done to me inside” have become impossible to manage within her partnership.
Svitolina wrote, “This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to share… I need to find my way back to myself.” She said she no longer felt able to do that while married.
She praised her husband for listening and respecting her needs with remarkable strength and grace, noting that “some battles happen deep inside you, and no amount of love from someone else can win them for you.”
The announcement comes as Monfils is preparing to play the final professional events of his career, retiring after a match at the Paris Masters and moving on to a finance career with a Swiss wealth‑management firm.
Despite the divorce, Svitolina confirmed that her daughter Skai remains her priority, reassuring fans that their family life will continue outside of the marital bond.
The pair met on the court in 2021, eventually becoming a celebrated tennis couple that also played together at the US Open mixed‑doubles, reaching the semi‑finals.
The ongoing war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has caused widespread devastation in places like Odesa where Svitolina grew up, underscoring how global events can ripple into personal lives of even elite athletes.
