Overview
- Elina Svitolina said she and Gaël Monfils are separating, explaining on Monday that the psychological toll of Russia’s war on Ukraine and other private factors drove her decision.
- The French sports paper L’Équipe reported Svitolina told Monfils of her intention by phone in late September, a detail that has shaped coverage of the split and its timing.
- Monfils was recorded as retired by the International Tennis Integrity Agency after removing himself from anti-doping whereabouts on October 5, which makes him ineligible for tour events unless he completes a standard re-entry testing period.
- On Friday Monfils posted an Instagram statement defending Svitolina from what he called ‘unkind’ and ‘venomous’ criticism and asked fans to respect the couple’s privacy and their shared role as co-parents to daughter Skaï.
- Both players have adjusted schedules: Svitolina has withdrawn from some lead-up tournaments but remains qualified for the WTA Finals, and Monfils is set to appear in Stan Wawrinka’s December farewell exhibition in Geneva despite his ITIA retirement status.