LONDON — Gael Monfils has broken his silence to defend Elina Svitolina from what he described as venomous criticism following their shock split earlier this week. The Frenchman said he had found the reaction to his former partner unkind at best after Svitolina announced the end of their marriage, one of tennis' most high-profile partnerships, with many fans turning sour after reports that the separation was behind his decision not to play events in Lyon and Paris, effectively ending his ATP Tour career months early.
In a lengthy Instagram post, his first statement since Svitolina's announcement, Monfils said: "Even though she did not owe anyone an explanation, Elina chose to speak vulnerably and truthfully about her reasons for this decision. She did so in the best way she knew how. Many decided that her explanation wasn't perfect enough, and Elina has now faced a kind of criticism that I have found unkind at best, and venomous at worst." He added: "As anyone who has experienced the end of a relationship knows, it is not an easy thing to talk about. A separation is a minefield of messy, complicated feelings that Elina and I are both trying our best to navigate."
Monfils stressed that the pair remain a family despite no longer being a couple, paying tribute to Svitolina's support during injuries and self-doubt. "Elina and I may no longer be a couple, but we are still a family. Though my heart hurts, I am forever grateful to her for her support and love over the years. When I was ready to quit tennis, she gave me the encouragement I needed to continue," he wrote. "She is the person behind some of my life's greatest victories: our daughter, Skaï being the greatest of all." He urged the public to show grace, adding: "While some may not understand her reasons, or agree with them, please remember that there is so much more that happens in a relationship behind the curtain that cannot be explained in a post."
Monfils continued: "Elina has her battles to fight, just as I have mine. I respect her choices and reasons, and we will continue to support and care deeply about each other, especially as two people who share a child. As we move through this new chapter, I would ask everyone to remember that we are all just human beings: not Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina, but Gaël and Elina. Imperfect, but trying our best."
While Monfils' ATP Tour career has been confirmed to be over, he is set to appear once more before the end of 2026 at Stan Wawrinka's final match in Switzerland this December, an event also featuring Roger Federer and Andy Murray. Svitolina has not played a competitive match since confirming the split, but she has qualified for the WTA Finals, which begin on 7 November and will also feature Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka, Mirra Andreeva, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova.