Monfils hits back at 'venomous' criticism of Svitolina

Gael Monfils defended Elina Svitolina on social media on 24 October 2026 after she announced the couple were ending their marriage, describing the reaction to her explanation as "venomous" and "upsetting". He said Svitolina had spoken "vulnerably and truthfully" about her reasons for the split.

Svitolina cited the emotional impact of the war in her native Ukraine as part of the reason for the separation. The pair married in 2021 and have one child together, a four-year-old daughter called Skai. In his post Monfils wrote: "Even though she did not owe anyone an explanation, Elina chose to speak vulnerably and truthfully about her reasons for this decision," wrote Monfils in a social media post. "She did so in the best way she knew how. Many decided that her explanation wasn't perfect enough and Elina has now faced a kind of criticism that I have found unkind at best and venomous at worst."

Monfils added that, despite no longer being a couple, they remain family and he is grateful for Svitolina's past support: "Elina and I may no longer be a couple, but we are still a family. Though my heart hurts, I am forever grateful to her for her support and love over the years." He also said he had found the public's lack of "grace and kindness" towards her upsetting.

The 40-year-old, a former world number six, had been expected to play what was billed as the final tournament of his career at next month's Paris Masters. His retirement was effectively confirmed last week when he appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Authority's list of retired players. The article notes that once a player removes themselves from anti-doping protocols, they are not eligible to compete in professional tournaments.

Monfils is, however, expected to take part in an exhibition event in Geneva in December, with Stan Wawrinka saying the 40-year-old had agreed to join him, Roger Federer and Andy Murray there. The piece also records Monfils' career tally of 13 ATP Tour titles.

Off the court, Monfils is preparing to begin a new career in finance after joining a Swiss wealth management firm.

His appearance on the ITIA retired list effectively confirmed his retirement and, because removing oneself from anti-doping protocols makes a player ineligible for professional tournaments, the planned Paris Masters farewell now appears unlikely; he is nevertheless expected to participate in the December exhibition in Geneva.