Gael Monfils at the US Open in doubles with Elina Svitolina: Remembering us and our daughter

The 2026 US Open has already brought plenty of star power before the singles kick-off, but Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina have created one of the tournament’s most compelling stories. The only married couple in the mixed doubles draw turned a wild-card entry into an unexpected semifinal run, making it an unforgettable family experience in Monfils’ final year of professional tennis.

The Frenchman and the Ukrainian played competitive doubles together for the first time, but the understanding was evident from the start. They beat Alexandra Ealova and Felix Auger-Aliassime before beating world number one Henry Patten and Katerina Siniak in a thrilling quarter-final.

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Svitolina credited their connection and support in advancing against top doubles specialists.

“We’ve had a lot of good moments and I think we understand each other and we understand each other in this moment after the win. So yeah, it’s amazing to have my husband by my side and support me. I think that’s what got us.”

A SPECIAL MEMORY OF THE MONFILS-SVITOLINA FAMILY

Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils reached the semifinals at the US Open. Courtesy: Reuters

As Monfils entered the final chapter of his career, Svitolina knew their run meant more than results on the scoreboard.

“It would be the most special year for Gal, like the last, and of course playing together. It’s amazing and yes, I’m looking forward to more memories,” she said.

Those memories became even more special when the pair reached the semi-finals, where they faced Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli. Advancement to the final and a chance to play together for the mixed doubles title at the US Open was within reach.

However, Bencic and Cobolli ended their run 5-4(7), 1-4, 10-5, denying Monfils and Svitolina a chance to compete for the championship match.

But for Monfils, the meaning of the run went far beyond winning or losing.

“It’s a great honor, to be honest, to play together for the first and last time in the last year. It’s something that, you know, will stay with us forever, for our daughter to see that mom and dad played together. So for me, I think it’s just amazing.”

FOCUS ON SINGLES FOR TENNIS POWER COUPLES

Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina will now move to singles. Courtesy: Reuters

The pair will now focus on the singles, with Monfils starting his final campaign at the US Open against Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo. Svitolina, seeded ninth, will face Argentina’s Solana Sierra in the first round of the women’s singles.

Both also brought remarkable Grand Slam records to New York. Monfils has the most Grand Slam singles wins by a Frenchman, while his more than 130 major victories without reaching a singles final underscore the longevity of his career.

Meanwhile, Svitolina has established herself as one of the most successful women’s players without a Grand Slam final, adding another chapter to that story with a semi-final run at the 2026 Australian Open.

The mixed doubles campaign may have ended one step short of the final, but for Monfils and Svitolina, the lasting value of their US Open adventure was never measured by the trophy alone.

Their first and last competitive appearance together has already given them and their daughter a memory that will last long after Monfils retires from professional tennis.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

28 Aug 2026 19:56 IST