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Naomi Osaka, Sloane Stephens & Other Players Show Support To Elina Svitolina After Ukrainian Announces Split From Gael Monfils

Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina announced on October 19, 2026, that she and her husband, former ATP professional Gael Monfils, are separating after five years of marriage. The decision, shared via her social media accounts, follows a period of deep personal reflection fueled by the ongoing war in Ukraine, which she described as having a profound emotional impact on her well-being.

Svitolina emphasized that the separation is not a reflection of blame but rather a necessary step to rediscover herself, stating, *'I need to find the camino de regreso [path back] to myself, and I cannot do that within this marriage.'*

The couple, married in July 2021, welcomed a daughter, Skai, in October 2022. Despite the end of their marriage, Svitolina made it clear that their family remains a priority, affirming, *'Skai will always come first.'*

Monfils officially retired from professional tennis on October 5, 2026, playing his final match at the 2026 US Open before his retirement was registered with the International Tennis Integrity Agency.

Tennis Community Responds

Svitolina’s announcement was met with immediate support from the tennis community. Former world No.

1 Naomi Osaka, former No. 3 Sloane Stephens, and other tennis players publicly expressed their solidarity by reacting to her post.

The outpouring of support underscores the respect and admiration Svitolina holds within the sport, particularly given the gravity of her decision. She described the announcement as *'the most difficult thing I have ever had to share,'* highlighting the sleepless nights and self-doubt she has endured amid the war’s toll on her mental state.

Monfils responded to the separation with grace, according to Svitolina, who noted that his strength and respect for her decision will be something she will never forget. She framed their relationship as one that *'changed shape,'* avoiding any attribution of fault.

The separation marks a significant personal transition for Svitolina, who has navigated both the pressures of elite tennis and the challenges of war, now turning inward to address her emotional needs.

This report also draws on coverage from The Guardian.

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