In brief
Elina Svitolina, Ukraine’s world‑number‑six, announced her divorce from former French star Gaël Monfils, saying the relentless emotional strain of the Ukraine conflict has eroded her personal life. In a heartfelt Instagram post she described sleepless nights, doubt and a sense of losing herself amid war. Both players, who had teamed up at the US Open and married in 2021, share a four‑year‑old daughter, Skai, and have confirmed that the family remains united despite the split. Monfils, who has retired and is moving into a finance career in Switzerland, is scheduled to finish his playing career at the Paris Masters.
Emotional toll of Ukraine war forces Svitolina to split from Monfils
Elina Svitolina, Ukraine’s world‑number‑six, announced that she and former French star Gaël Monfils were divorcing. She said the war’s emotional strain had worn her down, making it impossible to rebuild herself within the marriage.
In a moving Instagram message, Svitolina described “sleepless nights” and “the feeling of slowly losing herself” as the war dragged on. She praised Monfils for “listening and respecting my need” with a strength she would “never forget.”
The two players, who married in 2021, share a four‑year‑old daughter, Skai. Svitolina stressed that while the marriage is ending, the family remains intact.
Monfils, who has already included his name on the International Tennis Integrity Authority’s list of retired players, is preparing for a new career in Swiss finance after 13 ATP titles. He is slated to make his farewell appearance at the Paris Masters next month.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of continued conflict in Ukraine, with the player open about how the war has affected her mental health and daily life.
