Gael Monfils defends Elina Svitolina on Instagram after couple announce separation
Gael Monfils defended Elina Svitolina on Instagram after the couple announced their separation, issuing the statement in a post published on 2026-10-24 and criticising the online backlash to her explanation. He urged fans to respect their privacy and to avoid personal attacks directed at Svitolina.
In the Instagram statement, Monfils described some of the comments aimed at Svitolina as "unkind at best, and venomous at worst" and said public interest in his happiness had been paired with a lack of consideration for her. He wrote that people could not fully understand the circumstances behind their decision from a social media post: "While some may not understand her reasons, or agree with them, please remember that there is so much more that happens in a relationship behind the curtain that cannot be explained in a post." He also asked the public to see them as individuals rather than public personas: "As we move through this new chapter, I would ask everyone to remember that we are all just human beings: not Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina, but Gael and Elina. Imperfect, but trying our best."
The 39-year-old said the separation had been painful but that he respected Svitolina's decision and that it would not end their family bond, with the two continuing to support each other as parents to their daughter, Skai. Monfils credited the Ukrainian with supporting him during difficult periods in his tennis career, including when injuries and self-doubt left him considering retirement: "When I was ready to quit tennis, she gave me the encouragement I needed to continue." He added that their daughter was the greatest of his life's achievements.
Svitolina had posted earlier to address backlash to her initial announcement, saying the emotional toll of Russia's war against her country had changed her perspective on life but stressing it was only one of several factors behind her decision. She wrote: "I just want to clarify my previous post a little, because I realized that not everyone, especially my international audience, fully understood what I was trying to say," and emphasised that the decision was "never just about one thing." She also defended Monfils against criticism following his sudden retirement and said their situation was more complicated than a single public statement could explain, adding that some aspects of their separation would remain private.
French newspaper L'Equipe reported that Monfils learnt of Svitolina's decision to end their marriage during a phone call in late September, saying he was at home in Dubai with their daughter when Svitolina, who was travelling to China, informed him. Monfils had announced in October 2025 that the 2026 season would be his last on the professional tour, but his retirement was recorded by the International Tennis Integrity Agency on October 5, weeks before he was expected to play his planned farewell tournaments in Lyon, Vienna and Paris. L'Equipe reported that the personal upheaval may have contributed to his decision to end his career earlier than planned.
Monfils and Svitolina married in July 2021 and welcomed their daughter, Skai, in October 2022; both have said they will continue to support each other as they navigate the next chapter of their lives. Monfils' latest statement reiterated that he respects Svitolina's decision and called for the criticism surrounding their separation to stop, while keeping the private details of their relationship out of the public debate.
