# Impact of war and personal changes on Elina Svitolina > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/impact-of-war-on-elina-svitolina > Updated: 2026-10-23T04:49:21.000Z. Sources: 112. Developments: 4. Following a historic run to the Billie Jean King Cup final in Shenzhen, China, where she lost to the Czech Republic, Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina spoke about the mental burden caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine. She noted that the pressure from the conflict and social media makes professional competition extremely difficult, despite nearly five years passing since the conflict began. Svitolina emphasized that representing her country provides immense honor and serves as motivation to use her platform for relief and unity. She also continues humanitarian efforts through the Elina Svitolina Foundation, focusing on youth tennis and mental health programs for athletes affected by the war. Svitolina later announced her separation from Gaël Monfils, stating the decision was driven by a need to rediscover herself following the emotional toll of the war. She described experiencing sleepless nights and a sense of losing herself due to the conflict in her homeland. Svitolina, who informed Monfils of the decision via telephone while competing in China, clarified that while Monfils provided immense support, she realized she could not find her personal path while remaining in the marriage. In a formal announcement, Svitolina described the situation as two people who loved each other deeply whose story is ‘simply changing shape.’ The couple, who married in 2021, share a four-year-old daughter, Skai, and confirmed they will continue to co-parent side by side. This follows Monfils’ abrupt retirement from professional tennis at age 40. Monfils has since defended Svitolina against ‘venomous’ online criticism, stating she chose to be vulnerable and honest despite not owing the public an explanation. He described the separation as a ‘minefield of messy, complicated feelings’ and emphasized that despite the end of their marriage, they remain a family. ## Claims - Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils are divorcing. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The psychological strain of the war in Ukraine contributed to her personal struggles. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The couple has a daughter named Skaï, born in October 2022. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils are separating. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Svitolina has lived through the reality of war for more than four and a half years. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Gael Monfils's career was interrupted due to the couple's situation. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The couple decided to release a joint statement. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Gaël Monfils retired from professional tennis in early October 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The couple married in July 2021. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Monfils played his final official match on September 3, 2026, at the US Open. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: Gaël Monfils defends Elina Svitolina following divorce announcement Gaël Monfils has defended Elina Svitolina against online criticism following their divorce announcement, citing the emotional impact of the war in Ukraine and emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting. 31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gal-monfils-retires-from-professional-tennis-at-age-40 ### 2026-10-20: Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils announce divorce Tennis players Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils have announced their divorce. Svitolina cited the impact of the war in Ukraine on her well-being, while Monfils has moved to retire from tennis immediately. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elina-svitolina-clarifies-reasons-for-split-from-gael-monfils ### 2026-10-18: Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils announce separation Tennis stars Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils have announced their separation, citing the emotional impact of the war in Ukraine on Svitolina's well-being. They remain committed to co-parenting their daughter. 84 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elina-svitolina-and-gal-monfils-announce-divorce ### 2026-09-30: Elina Svitolina discusses mental toll of war after historic Billie Jean King Cup run Ukraine's tennis team reached a historic Billie Jean King Cup final before losing to the Czech Republic. Elina Svitolina highlighted the mental toll the ongoing war takes on athletes. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elina-svitolina-discusses-mental-toll-of-war-after-historic-billie-jean-king-cup-run --- Cite as: Impact of war and personal changes on Elina Svitolina. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/impact-of-war-on-elina-svitolina