In brief
Ukraine’s ongoing conflict has had ripple effects beyond the battlefield, reaching even the world of tennis. Svitolina, the former world No. 6, announced her divorce from French former pro Gaël Monfils, explaining that the war’s impact on her mental state made the marriage unsustainable. The pair, who wed in 2021 and share a four‑year‑old daughter, said they would keep their child’s wellbeing first while parting amicably. Monfils, who is set to retire after the Paris Masters, will soon move into a role in Swiss wealth management. The announcement underscores how geopolitical events can shape personal lives in unexpected ways.
Elina Svitolina, the Ukrainian star who reached world number six, announced her divorce from French ex‑pro Gaël Monfils on Instagram, citing the emotional toll of the war in her homeland.
In a heartfelt post, Svitolina said the conflict and the uncertainty it brings have left her feeling fragmented, and that she needed to find herself outside of her marriage. She thanked Monfils for his understanding, noting his strength and grace were evident even now.
The couple, who married in 2021 and share a four‑year‑old daughter named Skai, stated that the decision was made to protect their child’s future. They also pledged to remain close as parents.
Monfils, a former world number six, is already preparing for life after tennis. Following a failed run in the final tournament of his career at the Paris Masters, he confirmed his retirement by being listed on the International Tennis Integrity Authority’s retired players database, and he has been hired by a Swiss wealth‑management firm.
Svitolina’s announcement comes amid persistent bombings in Odesa, Russia’s Black Sea port, and the broader war that began with Russia’s full‑scale invasion in February 2022. She described sleepless nights, doubts and a gradual loss of self‑identity that the war has intensified.
The story serves as a reminder that geopolitical upheaval can reach into the most personal corners of life, reshaping families, careers and future plans even in arenas such as professional tennis.
