"I try to talk to him and explain the situation": Elina Svitolina opens up about Gael Monfils' concern about her safety on visit to war-hit Ukraine

Elina Svitolina has revealed that her husband, France’s Gael Monfils, lives in fear whenever she visits her war-torn country. The 30-year-old is from Ukraine, and her country has been involved in a long war with Russia, which started way back in 2022.

During the time of the ongoing armed conflict, which has resulted in the loss of hundreds on both sides, Svitolina has remained vocal about the need for a ban on athletes from Russia. The Odesa-born star has been recently quoted in a report by the English media outlet Daily Express, where she talked about how her husband is always concerned about her well-being whenever she visits her country.

“Gael gets very nervous before trips,” she said. “Of course he is afraid for me, for the family. But I try to talk to him and explain the situation to him. I try to explain the safety rules to him. I also think about my family, but I feel a lot of pain for my country. I am one of the voices of Ukraine around the world. This is my mission. It is always very emotional when I say goodbye to him and my daughter. But I think he understands that it is very important to me. He is very close to me. My family still lives in Odessa. I have many close friends who are at the front right now. This is all like a big family to me too. I am very grateful to Gael for supporting me. I know it is very difficult. I am not sure that many husbands would understand this.”

Svitolina is currently taking part in the Indian Wells where she has already booked her place in the fourth round after beating America’s Danielle Collins in the round of 32 in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-4. She will next face the 2024 US Open runner-up Jessica Pegula in the round of 16.