Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils Announce Separation Amid Toll of War in Ukraine
World No. 6 Elina Svitolina announced her separation from husband and former French tennis player Gael Monfils after five years of marriage, citing the psychological toll of Russia’s ongoing war in her homeland, Sky Sports reported on October 19, 2026. The 32-year-old Ukrainian professional tennis player shared the news via Instagram, pointing to sleepless nights, persistent self-doubt, and the profound internal weight of the conflict that ultimately led her to conclude she needed to rediscover her identity outside the marriage. This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to share,
she wrote.
The Internal Toll of War on the Tennis Circuit
Svitolina described the separation as the most difficult disclosure of her life. In her public statement, she detailed how the geopolitical crisis in Ukraine affected her mental well-being far beyond the competitive arena. She explained that despite the steadfast support of her partner—who stood by her through difficult periods—internal battles required a personal resolution that partnership alone could not fix. Svitolina stated, Everyone knows how much Ukraine means to me. What I have rarely spoken about is what the war has done to me inside.
She added, 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 also noted, 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.
The couple married in July 2021 after beginning their high-profile relationship years prior, and they welcomed a daughter, Skai, in October 2022. She further noted, Our marriage is ending, but our family is not.
She also added, There are only two people who loved each other deeply and a story that is changing shape.
Svitolina Reaches WTA Finals as Monfils Retires Early
Svitolina recently competed at the Wuhan Open, where she reached the quarter-finals before falling to Britain’s Sonay Kartal in a three-set encounter, and she has secured her place for the season-ending WTA Finals in Indian Wells, California. Meanwhile, 40-year-old Gael Monfils has adjusted his retirement timeline. Monfils—who won 13 career titles—is now officially listed as retired on the International Tennis Integrity Agency database, having brought forward plans that originally pointed toward a formal farewell at November’s Paris Masters tournament, which begins on October 31. The pair had recently shared the court as a doubles pairing, reaching the semi-finals of the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship earlier in the 2026 season before falling to Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli.
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Elina Svitolina opens up in an emotional post, announcing the end of her marriage with Gaël Monfils 😢 Earlier this month, Monfils’ name was on the list of retirees, despite previously stating that he wanted to finish his career at the Paris Masters next week. pic.twitter.com/UWueKHweP2