Elina Svitolina wins the Italian Open, Gael Monfils bursts with pride: What a woman

Elina Svitolina scripted one of the most emotional triumphs of her career after winning the 2026 Italian Open in Rome, and no one seemed prouder than her husband Gael Monfils. Moments after Svitolina’s stunning win, Monfils shared a heartfelt tribute on social media that immediately resonated with tennis fans around the world.

On Saturday, Svitolina defeated Coco Gauff in a thrilling three-set final, winning 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2 to reclaim the title on clay after an eight-year wait. Monfils also praised Svitolina’s resilience and strength throughout her comeback journey after motherhood, adding that she continues to inspire him every day.

“Eight years. Eight years to climb back to the top of the Masters 1000. What a season, what a week, what a player. But most of all, what a woman. An incredible mom to Skai, an exceptional athlete, a soul like no other,” Monfils wrote.

“I’m so proud of you my love. Your strength, your calmness, everything you carry silently day after day. You inspire me, every day. Enjoy it, soak it all in. You deserve every second. I love you,” Monfils added.

Svitolina’s victory in Rome marked a remarkable milestone in her career. After becoming a mother in 2022 and struggling with injuries in recent seasons, the Ukrainian has fully re-established herself among the elite players on the WTA Tour. She also secured her first WTA 1000 title since the birth of a daughter at the end of an eight-year wait between her Roman crowns.

HOW SVITOLINA DEFEATED GAUFFA

Against Gauff, Svitolina started aggressively, using her movement and defensive skills to frustrate Gauff in long forehands before taking the opening set 6-4.

Gauff fought hard in the second set to force a tiebreak where the American stepped up to take the match to a decider. However, Svitolina completely dominated the third set with her consistency from the baseline and her ability to absorb pressure before counterattacks at the right moments.

ELINA SVITOLINA’S MOMENT CONTINUED BY COCO GAUFF TO WIN HER 3RD ROMAN TITLE.

Beat #2 Elena Rybakina, #3 Iga Swiatek and #4 Coco Gauff back to back.

Motherhood, pressure, time away from tennis, none of it quenched her hunger. It sharpened.

Legend pic.twitter.com/ysEwJUi5F5— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 16, 2026

The title was historically significant for Svitolina. She became a three-time Italian Open champion, previously winning the tournament in 2017 and 2018.

Her run in Rome was extraordinary as she beat top names including Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek and Gauff en route to the title. Svitolina became the oldest player since 1990 to defeat three top-five opponents in a single WTA 1000 tournament, surpassing the previous mark held by Serena Williams.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

May 18, 2026 01:18 IST