“My heart hurts”: Gael Monfils breaks silence with heartfelt tribute to Elina Svitolina

Friday, 23 October 2026 at 20:30

Gael Monfils has spoken publicly about his separation from Elina Svitolina for the first time, defending his former partner against the criticism she has faced since announcing the end of their marriage.

The Frenchman described the split as a painful experience for both of them and urged the public to show greater understanding as they navigate the next chapter of their lives.

The statement comes amid scrutiny of the couple's separation and Monfils' abrupt end to his professional tennis career. The Frenchman had planned to play through the end of the 2026 season, with farewell appearances in Lyon and at the Paris Masters expected to mark his final tournaments. Instead, his last match came at the US Open in September, and he will not return to compete in Paris.

Svitolina announced their separation earlier this week, explaining that she needed to rediscover herself and that she could no longer do so within their marriage. She later clarified that the war in Ukraine and its emotional toll were part of a broader set of circumstances behind her decision, rather than the sole reason for it.

Monfils calls criticism of Svitolina “venomous”

Monfils began by reflecting on how the couple had shared their lives with the public over the years, including their individual struggles.

He acknowledged that their decision to separate was another difficult experience they had chosen to discuss openly, but stressed that the public should not expect a simple explanation for something so personal. “Over the years, Elina and I have taken great joy in sharing our story and our family with you all,” he said.

“We have also always shared our struggles as individuals. For me, a series of injuries and self-doubt that challenged me in new ways. For Elina, the destruction and suffering that have torn her country apart. Now, we are separating. And just as before, this is a struggle that we have decided, together, to share with the public.”

The Frenchman then addressed the reaction to Svitolina's announcement, taking issue with those who criticised the way she explained her decision.

“As anyone who has experienced the end of a relationship knows, it is not an easy thing to talk about. A separation is a minefield of messy, complicated feelings that Elina and I are both trying our best to navigate, and we are doing so with the great respect and love that we still, and will always, hold for each other.

“Even though she did not owe anyone an explanation, Elina chose to speak vulnerably and truthfully about her reasons for this decision. She did so in the best way she knew how. Many decided that her explanation wasn’t perfect enough, and Elina has now faced a kind of criticism that I have found unkind at best, and venomous at worst.”

Monfils also challenged the idea that outsiders could fully understand the circumstances behind their separation based on what either player had shared online. While acknowledging the public's interest in their lives, he asked people to recognise the limits of what could be explained publicly.

“While I am deeply grateful that the public feels so invested in my happiness, I have found the lack of grace and kindness shown towards Elina upsetting. While some may not understand her reasons, or agree with them, please remember that there is so much more that happens in a relationship behind the curtain that cannot be explained in a post.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gael Monfils (@iamgaelmonfils)

“She gave me the encouragement I needed to continue”

Monfils also paid tribute to Svitolina's influence on his life and career, revealing that she had helped him through a period when he was considering quitting tennis. His message offered a personal acknowledgement of the role she played during some of the most important moments of his professional journey.

“Elina and I may no longer be a couple, but we are still a family. Though my heart hurts, I am forever grateful to her for her support and love over the years. When I was ready to quit tennis, she gave me the encouragement I needed to continue. And she is the person behind some of my life’s greatest victories: our daughter, Skaï being the greatest of all.”

The statement carries particular significance given the timing of Monfils' retirement. He had intended to finish his career at the end of 2026, but his final appearance came at the US Open, leaving him without the planned farewell in front of his home crowd at the Paris Masters.

Read also

Although the separation and his decision to stop playing have become intertwined in public discussion, Monfils did not explicitly state that the split was the sole reason for his retirement.

“Elina has her battles to fight, just as I have mine. I respect her choices and reasons, and we will continue to support and care deeply about each other, especially as two people who share a child.”

He ended with a direct appeal for empathy as they begin separate chapters of their lives. “As we move through this new chapter, I would ask everyone to remember that we are all just human beings: not Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina, but Gaël and Elina. Imperfect, but trying our best.”

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

See author's posts

claps 0visitors 0

European Open Brussels ATP 2026: Results, Draw, Entry List, Prize Money and History