A Heartfelt Announcement Draws Unexpected Hostility
Elina Svitolina broke the news earlier this week in a deeply personal Instagram post, explaining that the psychological weight of Russia's ongoing war against her homeland had slowly eroded her sense of self. The 32-year-old, who grew up in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, wrote that "some battles happen deep inside you" and that no amount of love from another person can resolve them. She was careful to frame the situation with compassion toward Monfils, noting that he listened and responded with grace that she said she would never forget. Svitolina also made clear that while the marriage was ending, the family unit, including their four-year-old daughter Skai, was not.
The announcement triggered a wave of online criticism directed at Svitolina, which intensified when it emerged that Monfils, 40, had retired from professional tennis earlier than planned as a result of the separation. His second-round loss to Learner Tien at the US Open turned out to be his final professional match, rather than a planned farewell at the Paris Masters next month.
Monfils Calls Out the Critics Directly
Responding on Friday, Monfils called the online hostility toward Svitolina "unkind at best and venomous at worst." He emphasized that she had chosen to speak openly and honestly even though she owed no one an explanation. Monfils, who won 13 titles during his ATP Tour career and is now transitioning into finance with a Swiss wealth management firm, said his heart hurts but that he remains grateful for her years of support and love.
Many TennisDraw users had followed this couple closely throughout the US Open mixed doubles run, where the pair reached the semifinals together, making the news of their split all the more poignant for the community.
