Monfils Backs Svitolina, Slams ‘Venomous’ Online Abuse After Their Separation

Gael Monfils Defends Elina Svitolina Against Online Backlash Following Separation

French tennis star Gael Monfils has come out in support of Elina Svitolina after she faced criticism on social media following their decision to separate. Urging people to respect their privacy, Monfils said outsiders could not fully understand the complexities of their relationship based on public statements alone.

In a message shared on Instagram, the 39-year-old condemned the harsh reactions directed at Svitolina after she explained some of the reasons behind their separation. He described the comments as “unkind at best, and venomous at worst,” expressing disappointment over the lack of empathy shown towards the Ukrainian tennis player.

Monfils said that while people had shown concern for his happiness, many had overlooked Svitolina’s feelings and circumstances. He stressed that a relationship involves personal experiences that cannot always be conveyed through a social media post.

“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,” he wrote.

The Frenchman also emphasised that their separation would not change their responsibilities as parents to their daughter, Skai, and said they would continue supporting each other as a family.

Monfils Appreciates Svitolina’s Support During Difficult Times
Monfils acknowledged that the separation had been emotionally challenging but made it clear that he respected Svitolina’s decision. He also recalled how she had supported him during difficult phases of his tennis career, particularly when injuries and doubts about his future left him contemplating retirement.

“When I was ready to quit tennis, she gave me the encouragement I needed to continue,” Monfils said, describing their daughter as the greatest achievement of his life.

He further criticised the expectation that Svitolina should publicly justify her personal decisions. According to Monfils, she had chosen to address the situation openly but was subsequently criticised by people who felt her explanation was insufficient.

Calling for greater understanding, he urged the public to look beyond their identities as professional athletes and recognise them as individuals navigating a difficult personal transition.

“As we move through this new chapter, I would ask everyone to remember that we are all just human beings: not Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina, but Gael and Elina. Imperfect, but trying our best,” he added.

Svitolina Explains Her Decision to Separate
The controversy intensified after Svitolina addressed the reaction to her initial announcement. In a subsequent Instagram post, she explained that the emotional impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine had influenced her outlook on life, while clarifying that it was not the sole reason for her decision.

“I just want to clarify my previous post a little, because I realized that not everyone, especially my international audience, fully understood what I was trying to say,” she wrote, adding that the decision was “never just about one thing”.

Svitolina also defended Monfils against criticism surrounding his sudden retirement from professional tennis. She maintained that their personal circumstances were more complicated than could be explained in a single public statement and indicated that certain details would remain private.

Retirement Announcement Adds to the Speculation
The couple’s separation also drew attention after French newspaper L’Equipe reported that Monfils learned of Svitolina’s decision to end their marriage during a telephone conversation in late September. According to the report, he was at their home in Dubai with their daughter while Svitolina was travelling to China.

Monfils had announced in October 2025 that the 2026 season would be his final year on the professional tennis circuit. However, the International Tennis Integrity Agency recorded his retirement on October 5, before he could participate in his planned farewell tournaments in Lyon, Vienna and Paris.

L’Equipe reported that the personal upheaval may have contributed to his decision to end his career earlier than anticipated.

Monfils and Svitolina married in July 2021 and welcomed their daughter, Skai, in October 2022. Despite their separation, both players have stressed the importance of continuing to support each other as parents.

Through his latest statement, Monfils has sought to put an end to the online hostility directed at Svitolina, urging people to respect their privacy and allow them to navigate this personal chapter away from public judgement.