News sports tennis ‘Our Marriage Is Ending’: Elina Svitolina Says Ukraine War’s Emotional Toll Led To Split From Gael Monfils
Last Updated:October 20, 2026, 06:52 IST
Elina Svitolina cited personal struggles as the reason behind the decision,
Elina Svitolina (left) and Gael Monfils. (AFP Photo)
Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has revealed that she and French player Gael Monfils are ending their marriage, sharing a deeply personal account of the emotional toll of the war in Ukraine and her efforts to regain a sense of self. The world No. 6 made the announcement on Instagram on Monday, describing it as “the most difficult thing I have ever had to share.”
Svitolina, who stepped away from competition last year to focus on her emotional well-being, said the impact of the war on her mental and personal life had been far greater than she had previously discussed. She also acknowledged Monfils’ support during that difficult period.
“Everyone knows how much Ukraine means to me. What I have rarely spoken about is what the war has done to me inside. 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,” Svitolina wrote.
She said that, despite the love and support she received, she had come to realise that her personal recovery required a different path.
“But some battles happen deep inside you, and no amount of love from someone else can win them for you. 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 added.
The couple share a daughter, Skai, and Svitolina stressed that their separation would not alter their commitment to raising her together.
“Together, we built a beautiful life, and we were given the most precious gift of all, our daughter, Skai,” Svitolina said. “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.”
The announcement comes amid a change in Monfils‘ own plans for his farewell to professional tennis, although it remains unclear whether the couple’s separation had any bearing on his decision.
The 40-year-old had been expected to retire at the end of the season. However, the sport’s drug-testing organisation now lists the former world No. 6 as retired, with his retirement officially dated October 5.
Monfils had been widely anticipated to bring his career to a close in front of his home crowd at the Paris Masters, which begins on October 31.
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Quick AnswersPowered by
Ask News18Why are Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils getting a divorce?
Elina Svitolina announced that the emotional toll of the war in Ukraine, which caused sleepless nights, doubts, and a feeling of losing herself, led her to realize that her personal recovery required ending her marriage to Gael Monfils.
How do Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils plan to raise their daughter?
Despite their marriage ending, Svitolina emphasized that their family is not breaking apart and that their daughter Skai will always come first, with both parents remaining committed to raising her side by side.
When did Gael Monfils officially retire from professional tennis?
Gael Monfils’s retirement is officially dated October 5, according to the sport’s drug-testing organisation, ahead of what was expected to be his farewell at the Paris Masters.
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Feroz Khan
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
First Published:
October 20, 2026, 06:52 IST
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