Gaël Monfils breaks silence with passionate statement after shock divorce from Elina Svitolina

Gaël Monfils has spoken publicly about his separation from Elina Svitolina for the first time, defending his former partner from the criticism she has faced since announcing the end of their marriage.

In a statement published to social media on Monday (October 19), Svitolina - the world's top-rated Ukrainian player - cited the mental and emotional toll of the ongoing war in her home country and a "feeling of slowly losing myself".

The shocking news emerged after Monfils announced the abrupt end to his successful tennis career. The Frenchman had planned to play through the end of the 2026 season, including a farewell appearance in Lyon, but instead, his last match came at the US Open in September, and he will not return.

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Gaël Monfils breaks silence on Elina Svitolina divorce

Monfils posted a statement to Instagram on Friday (October 23) for the first time since splitting from Svitolina, and he urged the public to show greater understanding as they navigate the next chapter of their lives.

"Over the years, Elina and I have taken great joy in sharing our story and our family with you all.

"We have also always shared our struggles as individuals. For me, a series of injuries and self-doubt that challenged me in new ways. For Elina, the destruction and suffering that have torn her country apart.

"Now, we are separating. And just as before, this is a struggle that we have decided, together, to share with the public.

"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, and we are doing so with the great respect and love that we still, and will always, hold for each other."

The 39-year-old was also complimentary of his former partner and spoke of lives "greatest victories" being the birth of his four-year-old daughter, Skaï.

"Even though she did not owe anyone an explanation, Elina chose to speak vulnerably and truthfully about her reasons for this decision," Monfils continued.

"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.

"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. And she is the person behind some of my life’s greatest victories: our daughter, Skaï being the greatest of all.

He finished by explaining how he feels upset by the backlash directed towards the Ukrainian for her decision, reminding the public that they are only human.

"While I am deeply grateful that the public feels so invested in my happiness, I have found the lack of grace and kindness shown towards Elina upsetting," he wrote.

"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.

"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."

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Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina career and relationship history

The pair started dating in 2019 after connecting in Paris when Svitolina posted a photo and Monfils messaged her.

Two years later in April 2021, the Frenchman proposed in the mountains, before being married in July of that year.

They then welcomed the birth of their daughter, Skaï, in October 2022. Monfils and Svitolina competed in the mixed doubles at the US Open and reached the semi-finals only last month, with their divorce coming as a shock to many.

In terms of their individual tennis careers, Svitolina has won 20 WTA Tour singles titles and five WTA 1000 titles, while reaching the semi-finals of four Grand Slam events - Wimbledon (2019, 2023), US Open (2019), and the Australian Open (2026)

Monfils retired after reaching a career-high world No. 6 in November 2016, notably winning 13 singles titles, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the French Open (2008) and US Open (2016).