Monfils Defends Svitolina Amid Divorce Backlash

Gael Monfils has condemned the 'venomous' online backlash directed at Elina Svitolina following her announcement of their divorce. The 40-year-old Frenchman urged respect for their privacy and confirmed the separation prompted his early retirement from professional tennis.

Monfils described the criticism aimed at world No. 6 Svitolina as upsetting and a display of a lack of grace and kindness. He stated that outsiders cannot understand the complexities of their relationship and that Svitolina was not obligated to justify her decision publicly. The tennis star emphasized that their bond as a family remains unbroken and that they will continue to support each other as parents to their daughter. He asked fans to remember they are just human beings, imperfect but trying their best.

Svitolina's Divorce and Early Retirement Announcement

Elina Svitolina confirmed her divorce from Monfils on Monday. The following day, she stated that Monfils ended his playing career early as a result of the split. Svitolina addressed the backlash to her initial announcement, clarifying that her decision was influenced by the emotional toll of Russia's war against Ukraine but was never just about one thing. She defended Monfils against criticism following his sudden retirement, explaining that their situation was more complicated than a single public statement could capture and that some aspects would remain private.

Career Timeline and Retirement Context

Monfils had originally planned to retire at the November Paris Masters. His retirement was instead recorded by the International Tennis Integrity Agency on October 5, 2025, after he appeared on the organization's inactive list earlier that month. Monfils learned of Svitolina's decision to end their marriage during a late September phone call while he was in Dubai with their daughter. Monfils had previously announced in October 2025 that the 2026 season would be his last on tour.

Family and Personal Life

The couple married in July 2021 and welcomed their daughter, Skai, in October 2022. The four-year-old remains central to their co-parenting arrangement. Monfils credited Svitolina with supporting him through difficult periods in his career, including battles with injury and self-doubt.

Public Appearances and Future Plans

Despite his retirement, Monfils will participate in a Geneva exhibition in December to mark Stan Wawrinka’s retirement. He will be joined by Roger Federer and Andy Murray. Meanwhile, Svitolina has qualified for the WTA Finals in Indian Wells next month and withdrew from the Ningbo Open in China this week.

Monfils will play in the Geneva exhibition honoring Stan Wawrinka's retirement alongside Federer and Murray.