Elina Svitolina announces separation from Gaël Monfils over war’s emotional toll

Elina Svitolina has announced the end of her marriage to Gaël Monfils, saying Russia’s war against Ukraine has affected her emotional wellbeing.

In an Instagram post, the 32-year-old tennis player said she needed to “find my way back to myself” and could not do so within the marriage. Svitolina is ranked sixth in the world.

Svitolina links decision to war

The player, who grew up in Odesa, described sleepless nights, doubts and a feeling of gradually losing herself. She said the war and its internal impact had become part of the most difficult decision of her life.

Monfils, 40, had listened to her and respected what she needed, Svitolina said. She added that their marriage was ending, but their family was not, with their four-year-old daughter Skai remaining her priority.

Shared tournament and Monfils’ career

Svitolina and Monfils married in 2021. At this year’s US Open, they played together in mixed doubles and reached the semi-finals.

Monfils, a former world number six and 13-time ATP Tour champion, had been expected to play the next Paris Masters as the final tournament of his career. His retirement was effectively confirmed last week when the International Tennis Integrity Authority listed him among retired players.

Players who leave the anti-doping system are not eligible to compete in professional tournaments. Monfils is also preparing for a career in finance after joining a Swiss wealth management firm.