Tennis Stars Elina Svitolina & Gael Monfils Announce Split After 5 Years of Marriage
Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils are ending their marriage.
The 32-year-old Ukrainian tennis star and 40-year-old French tennis player announced their separation in a joint Instagram post on Monday (October 19), after more than five years of marriage.
The couple, who married in July 2021, share a daughter named Skai, who turned 4 earlier this month.
Elina opened up about the difficult decision in an emotional statement, explaining how Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has affected her personal life and mental well-being.
Why Are Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils Separating?
“This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to share,” Elina began her statement.
The tennis player explained that the war in her home country has taken an emotional toll on her over the past several years.
She recalled experiencing sleepless nights, doubts and a sense of losing herself, despite Gael‘s support throughout their marriage.
“What I have rarely spoken about is what the war has done to me inside,” she wrote.
Elina said that while they had worked through difficult times together, she ultimately realized that she needed to focus on her own healing.
She explained that she could not find her way back to herself while remaining in the marriage, describing the realization as extremely painful.
Elina also praised Gael for respecting her decision and supporting her through their relationship.
The couple emphasized that they remain committed to raising their daughter together.
“Our marriage is ending, but our family is not,” Elina wrote.
She also explained that neither person was to blame for the separation and asked fans to give the family privacy as they adjust to the change.
How Long Were Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils Married?
Elina and Gael first met in Paris in 2018 and began dating before announcing their engagement in April 2021, per People.
They married in July of that year and welcomed their daughter, Skai, on October 15, 2022.
Both athletes continued competing professionally during their marriage, frequently supporting each other at tournaments around the world.
They also competed together in mixed doubles at the 2026 US Open, reaching the semifinals.
Read Elina and Gael’s full statement on Instagram here.
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