Tennis fans are incredibly saddened to hear of the divorce between French player Gaël Monfils and his wife, Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina.
The pair began dating in 2019 before getting engaged in 2021, followed by a wedding a few months later. They welcomed their daughter in 2022.
Svitolina penned a heartbreaking announcement, letting fans know they were moving forward separately in life.
Gaël Monfils & Elina Svitolina Formally Announce Their Split
Tennis stars Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina are ending their five-year marriage. On Instagram, Svitolina penned a heartbreaking post formally announcing the end of the marriage.
“This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to share,” the sports star began. “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 went on to explain how her husband saw every difficult moment, noting they “fought through” the pain together and gave it their all. However, she slowly began to realize that love wasn’t enough to help her conquer her inner demons.
“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 continued. “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. Gaël listened. He has respected what I need with a strength and grace I will never forget.”
The tennis player went on to describe how much their marriage meant to her and how Monfils always supported her. Above all else, she feels grateful for their daughter, Skai. Even though they are ending their marriage, they’re going to put their daughter first and continue to co-parent.
“Please know that there is no one to blame here,” Svitolina concluded. “There are only two people who loved each other deeply and a story that is changing shape. We ask for your kindness and for the space we need to heal.”
Monfils Recently Delivered a Passionate Speech About His Wife
Many fans felt shocked by the announcement, especially after Gaël Monfils’ passionate tribute to his wife just months prior.
“We’ve been together eight years. Eight years you’ve accompanied me,” Monfils said at the French Open. “But I’m not talking about Elina Svitolina, but Elina the woman, the real woman, my wife. Who is there in every instance, in every moment. Who has always known how to support me as a man, not just a tennis player. And above all else, gave me the most beautiful gift in the world, our daughter. I love you.”
Our hearts go out to the family during this difficult chapter.
Tennis Stars Gaël Monfils & Elina Svitolina Announce Divorce After 5 Years of Marriage, ‘There Is No One to Blame Here’