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Tennis player Elina Svitolina announced the end of her marriage to Gael Monfils, citing the emotional toll of the war in Ukraine. Monfils has also retired from professional tennis.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Elina Svitolina, the sixth-ranked Ukrainian tennis player, announced Monday that she and her husband, fellow tennis player Gael Monfils, have separated. The announcement was made via an Instagram post, which Svitolina described as "the most difficult thing I have ever had to share."
Svitolina detailed the mental toll that Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine has had on her well-being. She noted that while Monfils supported her during a break from tennis to recover, the internal struggle remained unresolved.
"Everyone knows how much Ukraine means to me. What I have rarely spoken about is what the war has done to me inside," Svitolina wrote. "But some battles happen deep inside you, and no amount of love from someone else can win them for you."
She explained that she needed to "find my way back to myself" and concluded that she "cannot do that within our marriage." Svitolina added, "It is the hardest truth I have ever had to face and the hardest thing I have ever had to tell the person I love. Gael listened. He has respected what I need with a strength and grace I will never forget."
The couple, who married in 2021, have a four-year-old daughter named Skai. Svitolina emphasized that their parental relationship would continue unchanged.
"Together, we built a beautiful life, and we were given the most precious gift of all, our daughter, Skai," she 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."
Svitolina also addressed the nature of the split, stating, "Please know that there is no one to blame here. There are only two people who loved each other deeply and a story that is changing shape."
The separation coincides with the end of Monfils' professional career. The 40-year-old former world number six had planned to retire at the end of the season, with his final tournament expected to be the Paris Masters in late October.
However, according to AP News, Monfils is now listed by the sport’s drug-testing organization among players who have declared themselves retired, with his career officially ending on Oct. 5. AP News reported that the end of the marriage "might have played a role" in Monfils' decision to retire earlier than expected.
The separation of two high-profile tennis players highlights the profound personal impact of the war in Ukraine on athletes from the region. Svitolina's public statement provides rare insight into the mental health challenges faced by Ukrainian athletes, while Monfils' early retirement marks the conclusion of a significant career in professional tennis.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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