"Gael gets very nervous before my trips": Elina Svitolina on the risks of her visits to war-torn Ukraine

Elina Svitolina has been one of the most vocal figures supporting Ukraine during the war, actively participating in fundraising efforts through her foundation, making public appearances alongside President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and even visiting combat zones to spend time with soldiers.

Despite the risks of traveling to Ukraine, Svitolina has no intention of stepping back from the cause. In a recent interview with Bild, the Ukrainian discussed the dangers involved in her activism and how she balances it with her life alongside her husband, Gael Monfils, and their two-year-old daughter, Skai.

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"Yes, Gael gets very nervous before my trips. Of course, he worries about me and our family. But I try to talk to him and explain the situation. I go over the safety protocols with him. I think about my family too, but I feel deep pain for my country. I am one of Ukraine’s voices worldwide. This is my mission.

"It is always very emotional when I say 'goodbye' to him and our daughter. But I believe he understands how important this is to me. He is very close to me. My family still lives in Odesa. I have many close friends who are currently on the front lines. To me, this is also like a big family.”

"I am very grateful to Gael for supporting me. I know it’s very difficult. I’m not sure many husbands would understand this."

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When asked whether she would be willing to join the fight if necessary, the former world No. 3 did not hesitate in her response: "I would go, absolutely. I know I’m not in that situation right now because I have my family. I am probably more useful raising funds than being on the front lines," she stated.

"Over the past three years, I have raised more than €1.5 million for my country. I think that is more useful than handing me a weapon. But at the start of the war, many soldiers had no training—they simply took up arms and tried to defend their homes and cities."

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