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Gael Monfils has fired back at the 'venomous' criticism his wife Elina Svitolina has faced after she announced their marriage was ending. In a heart-wrenching statement on Monday, Svitolina described the news as the 'most difficult thing' she has ever had to share.
The duo, who reached the US Open mixed doubles semi-finals in August, were married for more than five years, having first started their relationship in 2019. Svitolina and Monfils share a daughter, Skai, who was born in 2022.
They were a true power couple of tennis, and once held singles titles in the same tournament in consecutive years when Svitolina won the 2026 ASB Classic women's singles title in Auckland, New Zealand, after Monfils men's crown the previous year.
But Svitolina confirmed their split after revealing that her mental health struggles arising from the war in Ukraine have impacted their relationship. It has caused them to end their marriage, though they will still co-parent their daughter.
Since the announcement, Svitolina has faced a barrage of criticism from fans and the public alike. However, others have supported Svitolina.Now, Monfils has jumped to Svitolina's defence in his first statement since the news broke. The Frenchman has branded the criticism as 'unkind' and 'venomous', and asked people to respect them both.
In an Instagram post, Monfils said: "Over the years, Elina and I have taken great joy in sharing our story and our family with you all. We have also always shared our struggles as individuals. For me, a series of injuries and self-doubt that challenged me in new ways. For Elina, the destruction and suffering that have torn her country apart.
"Now, we are separating. And just as before, this is a struggle that we have decided, together, to share with the public. As anyone who has experienced the end of a relationship knows, it is not an easy thing to talk about. A separation is a minefield of messy, complicated feelings that Elina and I are both trying our best to navigate, and we are doing so with the great respect and love that we still, and will always, hold for each other.
"Even though she did not owe anyone an explanation, Elina chose to speak vulnerably and truthfully about her reasons for this decision. She did so in the best way she knew how. Many decided that her explanation wasn’t perfect enough, and Elina has now faced a kind of criticism that I have found unkind at best, and venomous at worst.
"Elina and I may no longer be a couple, but we are still a family. Though my heart hurts, I am forever grateful to her for her support and love over the years. When I was ready to quit tennis, she gave me the encouragement I needed to continue. And she is the person behind some of my life’s greatest victories: our daughter, Skaï being the greatest of all.
"While I am deeply grateful that the public feels so invested in my happiness, I have found the lack of grace and kindness shown towards Elina upsetting. While some may not understand her reasons, or agree with them, please remember that there is so much more that happens in a relationship behind the curtain that cannot be explained in a post.
"Elina has her battles to fight, just as I have mine. I respect her choices and reasons, and we will continue to support and care deeply about each other, especially as two people who share a child.
"As we move through this new chapter, I would ask everyone to remember that we are all just human beings: not Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina, but Gaël and Elina. Imperfect, but trying our best."
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