Ukrainian Tennis Star Svitolina Cites War's Emotional Toll in Marriage Separation
Elina Svitolina announced the end of her marriage to Gaël Monfils, stating the ongoing conflict in her home country profoundly impacted her emotionally.
Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has announced the end of her marriage to French player Gaël Monfils, attributing the decision to the emotional strain caused by the war in her native Ukraine. Svitolina, ranked sixth in the world, shared the news in an Instagram post, detailing the internal struggle she has experienced due to the conflict.
"This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to share," Svitolina wrote. "I need to find my way back to myself." She explained that she felt unable to achieve this within her marriage. Svitolina stated that Monfils was understanding and supportive, showing "strength and grace" during their conversation.
She described the situation as facing "battles deep inside you, and no amount of love from someone else can win them for you." Svitolina acknowledged that it was "the hardest thing I have ever had to tell the person I love." The tennis player emphasized the significance of Ukraine to her, noting that while the public saw her professional life, they did not witness "the sleepless nights, the doubts, and the feeling of slowly losing myself."
Svitolina and Monfils, who married in 2021, have one child together. Svitolina affirmed that her daughter "will always come first" and that while their marriage is ending, "our family is not."