Star breaks silence on split with wife, condemns ‘venomous’ online abuse
Gaël Monfils has broken his silence following his public split from fellow professional tennis player Elina Svitolina, urging the public to show compassion as the Ukrainian faces mounting online criticism.
The couple announced the end of their marriage via Instagram on Monday, with Svitolina sharing she had struggled internally with the ongoing emotional toll of the war in Ukraine.
Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils split this week. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
Following a wave of backlash directed at Svitolina – which led to her following up her initial post - Monfils has released a lengthy follow-up statement on Saturday.
He defended his ex-partner and pleaded for an end to the “upsetting” messages and threats.
“Over the years, Elina and I have taken great joy in sharing our story and our family with you all,” he wrote in an Instagram post.
“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.
Describing the separation as a “minefield of messy, complicated feelings”, Monfils emphasised that the two are navigating the transition with mutual respect and “enduring love”.
However, he spoke about the vitriol directed at Svitolina and how online attacks prompted him to speak out directly against the “upsetting messages”.
“Even though she did not owe anyone an explanation, Elina chose to speak vulnerably and truthfully about her reasons for this decision. She did so in the best way she knew how,” he continued.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Looking ahead, Monfils reiterated that he and Svitolina would continue to support one another and their child.
Elina Svitolina announced on Monday the end of her marriage with fellow professional tennis player Gael Monfils. Supplied
“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.”
Monfils’ retirement from tennis came abruptly, with many connecting that his separation from the tennis player was a cause for his swift departure from the sport.
