While Elina Svitolina is enjoying a career resurgence on the tennis court, she is facing an incredibly difficult period in her personal life. The Ukrainian star has announced her divorce from husband Gael Monfils after five years of marriage. The couple share a daughter, four-year-old Skai.
“This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to share,” Svitolina began her deeply personal Instagram announcement, which was accompanied by a black-and-white photo of herself and Monfils.
In her emotional statement, Svitolina opened up about the struggles that led to their decision to separate, pointing to the profound impact the ongoing war in her home country has had on her. She explained that the experience had changed her on the inside, leaving her feeling emotionally lost, with sleepless nights, doubts, and a growing sense that she was slowly losing herself.
Svitolina also acknowledged Monfils’ unwavering support throughout their struggles, emphasizing that he had always stood by her side. However, she admitted that love alone could not resolve the battles she was facing within herself.
“We fought through this together for a long time, with everything we had. But some battles happen deep inside you, and no amount of love from someone else can win them for you,” she wrote.
“With time, I came to understand that I need to find my way back to myself and that I cannot do that within our marriage. It is the hardest truth I have ever had to face and the hardest thing I have ever had to tell the person I love. Gael listened. He has respected what I need with a strength and grace I will never forget.”
Despite the end of their marriage, Svitolina made it clear that their daughter will remain their top priority, stressing that their separation would not break up their family.
“Our marriage is ending, but our family is not. We will always be her parents, side by side, at every step of her life,” she added.
The announcement comes just two days after Svitolina celebrated a major career milestone, officially qualifying for the WTA Finals Indian Wells and securing the seventh of eight coveted spots at the season-ending championships. The 32-year-old will compete at the prestigious event for the fourth time in her career, returning to the elite stage for the first time since 2019.
Svitolina and Monfils married in July 2021 in Geneva, Switzerland, after beginning their relationship in 2019. The tennis couple briefly split in February 2021 before reconciling and tying the knot later that year. They welcomed their daughter, Skai, in October 2022.
