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Tennis power couple Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils have announced they are divorcing after more than five years of marriage.
Svitolina shared the news in an emotional statement on social media, citing the heavy psychological toll of her native Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia and the deep internal journey required to find herself.
“Everyone knows how much Ukraine means to me. What I have rarely spoken about is what the war has done to me inside,” Svitolina wrote.
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“Last year, I told you I needed to step away from the court because I wasn’t in the right emotional space. Today, I want to open up a little more. What you didn’t see were the sleepless nights, the doubts, and the feeling of slowly losing myself.
“Gael saw all of it. He never let go of my hand. 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.”
The Ukrainian star acknowledged that reaching the decision was the hardest truth she has ever faced, noting that Monfils has handled the transition with immense strength and grace.
“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,” she continued. “Gael has loved me through my greatest joys and my darkest moments, and I have loved him with all my heart. Together, we built a beautiful life, and we were given the most precious gift of all, our daughter, Skai.”
Emphasizing that their primary focus remains their four-year-old daughter, Svitolina added that co-parenting will remain a unified priority.
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“Skai will always come first. Our marriage is ending, but our family is not. We will always be her parents, side by side, at every step of her life. Please know that there is no one to blame here. There are only two people who loved each other deeply and a story that is changing shape.”
Svitolina, 32, and the 40-year-old former French tennis star married in July 2021 after beginning a relationship that captured the hearts of tennis fans worldwide. Monfils officially wrapped up his illustrious tennis career earlier this year, closing out a run that saw him capture 13 ATP Tour titles and reach a career-high ranking of world No. 6. Meanwhile, Svitolina remains a powerhouse on the WTA tour, boasting 20 titles and multiple Grand Slam semifinal appearances.
