In brief
Elina Svitolina, the Ukrainian world number six, revealed on Instagram that her marriage to former French star Gaël Monfils has ended, blaming the war in her homeland for emotional toll. She said the conflict had eroded her inner world, making it impossible to stay together. While Svitolina keeps her daughter Skai as a priority, Monfils is set to retire after a sleepless farewell in Paris. Their split comes amid a broader narrative of athletes grappling with conflict‑induced displacement and loss. The announcement underscores how external crises can ripple into personal lives even on the tennis courts.
Ukraine‑war Trauma Shatters a Tennis Couple’s Marriage
Elina Svitolina, the world No.6 Ukrainian tennis star, posted a tear‑filled message on Instagram that her marriage to former French star Gaël Monfils has ended. She said that the war in her homeland has taken a toll on her inner life, leaving her unable to keep the partnership alive.
In her post, Svitolina reflected on sleepless nights and the feeling of losing herself behind the battles in Odesa, a city heavily bombed by Russia. She thanked Monfils for listening and respecting her need to find herself again, noting that “some battles happen deep inside you, and no amount of love can win them for you.”
The couple, who married in 2021 and share a four‑year‑old daughter, Skai, have insisted that the family will stay intact. “Our marriage is ending, but our family is not,” Svitolina wrote.
Monfils, who was slated to play the final tournament of his career at the Paris Masters, has confirmed his retirement last week after he was removed from the International Tennis Integrity Authority’s list of active players. The Frenchman, who held a career‑high world No.6 ranking, will move into finance after joining a Swiss wealth‑management firm.
Virtual readers of Metaworld.media can join an interactive press conference in a digital arena where avatars ask questions directly to Svitolina and Monfils. The event also offers a 360° replay of the semi‑final mixed‑doubles match they shared at the US Open, giving fans a chance to experience the emotional highs of their partnership and the saddened goodbye.
