Gaël Monfils defends Elina Svitolina following divorce announcement

French tennis player Gaël Monfils has publicly responded to the announcement of his divorce from Ukrainian star Elina Svitolina, defending her against online hostility. Following Svitolina’s emotional social media post regarding the end of their marriage, Monfils addressed the "venomous" and "unkind" criticism directed at her.

Svitolina cited the profound psychological and emotional toll of the war in her native Ukraine as a significant factor in her decision to seek a path toward self-discovery outside the marriage. Monfils emphasized that while they are no longer a couple, they remain a family and will continue to co-parent their four-year-old daughter, Skai, with mutual respect and love.

The personal turmoil coincides with the abrupt conclusion of Monfils’ professional tennis career. Previously expected to participate in the Paris Masters, the 40-year-old is now listed as a retired player by the International Tennis Integrity Agency. Monfils noted that the separation has been a "minefield of messy, complicated feelings" and expressed gratitude for Svitolina’s support throughout his career.