Break-up with Svitolina: Monfils breaks his silence

Gaël Monfils has defended Elina Svitolina against criticism following their break-up and emphasised the importance of family unity for their daughter.

Gaël Monfils has publicly defended Elina Svitolina against hostility following the announcement of their split. The Ukrainian had announced the end of their marriage in an emotional Instagram post, in which she addressed the psychological strain caused by the war in her homeland. Monfils has now responded with a lengthy post, asking that his former partner’s decision be treated with respect.

“The criticism directed at her was, at best, rude; at worst, malicious,” wrote the former world number six. He said that Svitolina owed no one an explanation, yet had nevertheless spoken openly and vulnerably about her reasons. Monfils emphasised that the complex emotions involved in a break-up could not be fully explained in a single social media post.

Tennis: Monfils defends Svitolina

The Frenchman made it clear that mutual respect remains despite the end of their marriage. “We may no longer be a couple, but we are still a family,” wrote Monfils, referring to their daughter Skai. Svitolina had already stated in her announcement that their four-year-old daughter was their top priority and that they intended to continue co-parenting.

Monfils also recalled the support he had received from Svitolina during difficult periods in his career. The International Tennis Integrity Agency has listed the Frenchman as a retired player since 5 October. This brought his professional career to an end sooner than initially expected.