Elina Svitolina has confirmed the end of her marriage with fellow tennis star Gaël Monfils, revealing that the psychological impact of the war in Ukraine has forced her to confront difficult personal realities.

The Ukrainian, currently ranked world No. 6, shared the news in a statement on social media on Monday, October 19, explaining that she had reached a point where rebuilding her emotional wellbeing required a major change in her life.

The announcement brings an end to their marriage, which began in 2021, after years of supporting each other through the demands of professional tennis and personal challenges.

Reflecting on the decision, Svitolina admitted that love alone could not resolve the internal struggles she had been experiencing, describing the separation as one of the most painful decisions she had ever faced. “It is the hardest truth I have ever had to face and the hardest thing I have ever had to tell the person I love,” she wrote, adding that Monfils had responded with understanding and respect.

The Personal Cost of War

Although Svitolina has remained a prominent figure on the WTA Tour, the 32-year-old disclosed that the conflict in her homeland has affected her far beyond what supporters could see on the court.

She described periods of sleeplessness, uncertainty and emotional exhaustion, revealing that her struggles had previously forced her to step away from tennis because she was not in the right frame of mind to compete.

The former world No. 3 had largely kept the extent of those difficulties private. However, her latest statement offered a glimpse into the burden she has carried while continuing to represent Ukraine on the international stage.

Monfils, 40, was present throughout that difficult period, standing beside his wife as she attempted to cope with the situation. Svitolina acknowledged his support but explained that her recovery required a personal journey she could no longer pursue within their marriage.

Her account suggested that the separation was not the result of a single disagreement but a deeply considered decision following a prolonged period of reflection.

The Ukrainian was careful not to portray her husband negatively, instead recognising the effort both had made to preserve their relationship. She also expressed gratitude for the patience and understanding he demonstrated when she explained what she needed.

Daughter Skai at the Centre of Their Future

Despite the end of their marriage, Svitolina made clear that she and Monfils would continue to work together as parents to their four-year-old daughter, Skai.

The couple welcomed their first child in October 2022, and family life has featured prominently in their public relationship, even as their professional commitments have taken them around the world.

Svitolina insisted that their separation would not change their shared responsibility to raise their daughter, emphasising that her wellbeing would remain their foremost concern.

The tennis star also paid tribute to the life they had built, describing Monfils as someone who had stood by her during both her happiest moments and her darkest experiences.

Her message sought to discourage speculation and blame, presenting their decision as a painful change in their relationship rather than an attempt to discredit the years they spent together.

The announcement is particularly significant given their standing in professional tennis. Both have enjoyed lengthy careers at the highest level, earning admiration for their achievements and distinctive playing styles.

Svitolina has established herself among the leading players of her generation, winning 20 WTA singles titles and reaching the semi-finals of multiple Grand Slam tournaments. She also claimed bronze in women’s singles at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, held in 2021.

Monfils, meanwhile, became one of the most recognisable personalities on the men’s tour through his explosive athleticism and entertaining approach to the game. The Frenchman won 13 ATP singles titles and reached the semi-finals of both the French Open and the US Open.

Monfils’ Retirement Marks Another Turning Point

The separation comes as Monfils prepares to leave professional tennis, bringing another major transition to a period of significant change in their lives.

The Frenchman had intended to conclude his career at the Paris Masters, which begins on October 31, after announcing his retirement plans for the 2026 season. However, his name appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s retired players list in October, indicating that his career had ended earlier than anticipated.

His final appearance came at the US Open, where he was eliminated in the second round by American Learner Tien. The development ended hopes of a farewell appearance at the Paris tournament, which had been expected to provide a fitting conclusion to his career before French supporters.

Monfils reached a career-high ranking of world No. 6 and established himself as one of France’s most successful players of his era. His Grand Slam semi-final appearances and 13 tour titles underline his longevity at the top level.

For Svitolina, the immediate priority appears to be finding a healthier emotional balance while continuing her tennis career and raising Skai.

Although the couple’s marriage has ended, her statement leaves little doubt that she values the years they shared and the family they created. Both players now face a new chapter, with their daughter’s future remaining a responsibility they intend to navigate together.