‘Poisonous at worst’: Gael Monfils breaks silence on split from Elina Svitolina

Elina Svitolina with Gael Monfils. (Image credit: Elina’s Instagram post) Gael Monfils has spoken publicly about his split from Elina Svitolina, defending the Ukrainian tennis star after she faced harsh criticism over the end of their five-year marriage.The French player expressed his disappointment at the backlash and urged fans to respect his private life instead of blaming Svitolina for his early retirement.In an emotional statement on Instagram shared on Friday, Monfils thanked Svitolina for supporting him throughout his career and criticized harsh comments directed at her.“Many people decided that her explanation was not perfect enough, and Elina now faced a kind of criticism that I found unkind at best and venomous at worst,” Monfils wrote.The statement came four days after Svitolina announced their split, explaining that the emotional strain of Russia’s war in Ukraine and other personal challenges had affected her deeply.

Retirement reports fuel criticism

According to French sports newspaper L’Équipe, Svitolina allegedly told Monfils during a phone call in late September that she wanted to end their marriage. Monfils was in Dubai with his daughter Skai while Svitolina competed in Beijing.Reports suggested the conversation deeply affected Monfils, who later withdrew from his remaining tournaments. He had planned to end his 22-year professional career at the Paris Masters in November, but instead announced his retirement effective October 5.His last professional singles match was his second round defeat to Learner Tien at the US Open. Monfils finished his career with 13 ATP titles and reached two Grand Slam semifinals.When details of his retirement emerged, some fans accused Svitolina of disrupting his planned farewell, while others questioned her reasons for ending the marriage. Some argued that she should have waited until after the Paris Masters to make a decision.

Monfils emphasizes that family comes first

The backlash also drew criticism from former Australian player and coach Rennae Stubbs, who reminded fans that outsiders can’t fully understand what goes on in a marriage.Monfils shared a similar sentiment and expressed his frustration at the treatment of his estranged wife. “While I am deeply grateful that the public feels so taken with my happiness, the lack of grace and kindness shown to Elina infuriates me,” he wrote.Despite their split, Monfils has made it clear that he continues to respect and care for Svitolina. The couple married in July 2021 and welcomed their daughter in October 2022.“Elina and I may no longer be a couple, but we are still family,” he wrote, stressing that their daughter remains their priority.He also acknowledged the personal struggles they both face, adding: “Elina has to struggle just like I do.”