Divorce of Svitolina and Monfils: The French tennis player learned about the breakup over the phone

French tennis player Gael Monfils reportedly learned that Elina Svitolina wanted to end their marriage during a phone call at the end of September, a development that may have precipitated the Frenchman’s sudden exit from professional tennis, according to French sports newspaper L’Equipe.

The former world number six, 40, was reportedly in Dubai when Svitolina called him to inform him of her decision. The Ukrainian tennis star was traveling to China at the end of September at the time, and the phone call is said to have deeply shaken Monfils.

According to L’Equipe’s account, Monfils was at home in Dubai with the couple’s daughter Skai when he heard about it. The report suggests that personal upheaval has left him with little desire to continue his farewell tour, bringing an abrupt end to a career he had planned to end after the 2026 season. Gael Monfils says goodbye. (Photo by Reuters)

Monfils’ retirement was officially recorded by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) on 5 October. The development went largely unnoticed until news broke this week, with an ITIA spokesperson confirming to Reuters that the Frenchman had been added to its list of retired players.

His decision came weeks before he was expected to begin the final stretch of his bye season. Monfils announced in October 2025 that 2026 would be his last year on the professional tour, with tournaments in Lyon and Vienna expected to precede a final appearance at the Paris Masters in November.

The reported circumstances surrounding his retirement have since attracted renewed attention following Svitolina’s public announcement that the couple were separating.

SVITOLINA ANNOUNCES END OF MARRIAGE

Svitolina announced the end of her marriage in a social media post on October 19. The Ukrainian spoke about the emotional toll of Russia’s war against her country and her need to reinvent herself outside of the relationship.

The couple married in July 2021 and have a daughter, Skai, who was born in October 2022. They were one of the most famous tennis couples, with both continuing to compete on the professional circuit after their marriage.

Svitolina called the decision to separate as one of the most difficult of her life and attributed it to the Ukrainian-Russian war. She stated that she needed to appear outside of their marriage.

She later issued another statement regarding the speculation surrounding their separation and Monfils’ sudden retirement. Svitolina said the situation was more complicated than a single public statement could convey and defended Monfils against allegations that have surfaced following reports of his retirement from the sport.

Her comments also drew attention to the timing of his retirement. While Monfils had already planned to stop playing at the end of the 2026 season, a report by L’Equipe suggests that the breakdown of his marriage brought the decision forward.

Monfils has not yet publicly commented on the breakup.

SHORT CUT OF MONFILS’ FAREWELL SEASON

Monfils intended to finish his career on his own terms with a final tournament that gave fans a chance to celebrate his achievements. The Paris Masters in particular offered a natural backdrop for a farewell, given its popularity among French fans.

Instead, his professional career ended with little fanfare. His last match came at the US Open in September, where he lost to American Learner Tien in the second round.

The Frenchman was also expected to compete in Lyon and Vienna before traveling to Paris. However, his withdrawal from anti-doping testing effectively ended those plans.

A CAREER TO REMEMBER

Monfils turned professional in 2004 at the age of 18 and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players on the ATP Tour. Renowned for his extraordinary athleticism, spectacular shooting and entertaining style, he became a fan favorite throughout the tennis world. Gael Monfils was one of the favorites on the tennis circuit. (Photo by Reuters)

The Frenchman has won 13 ATP Tour singles titles during his career, claiming his first in Poland in 2005 and his last in Auckland in January 2025. In 2016, he reached a career-high ranking of world number six and recorded 587 career victories.

Although a Grand Slam title eluded him, Monfils reached the semi-finals of the French Open in 2008 and the US Open in 2016. His ability to produce acrobatic serves and turn difficult defensive positions into attacking opportunities has made him one of the most distinctive performers of his generation.

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