Elina Svitolina cites emotional toll of war for Monfils divorce
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 19, 2026, 10:16 AM
Last updated Oct 19, 2026
Elina Svitolina has announced her divorce from Gaël Monfils, attributing her decision to the emotional challenges caused by the war in Ukraine. In a joint statement on Instagram, Svitolina explained her struggle to maintain her identity within the marriage, despite Monfils’ support. The couple, married since 2021 and parents to daughter Skai, attempted to work through their difficulties but ultimately could not overcome the internal battles that Svitolina faced. Svitolina has been vocal about the war's impact on her mental well-being and has previously taken time off from competition due to these pressures. The couple had recently played together at the US Open mixed doubles semi-finals before their separation was made public.
- •Svitolina and Monfils were married in July 2021.
- •The couple has one daughter, Skai.
- •Svitolina is an advocate for youth affected by the war.
- •She previously took time off from competition due to emotional stress.
- •The couple reached the US Open mixed doubles semi-finals in August 2026.
- 10:16 AMYahoo Sports — Elina Svitolina says Gaël Monfils divorce is due to emotional impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine
"Elina Svitolina has announced the end of her five-year marriage to fellow tennis star Gaël Monfils, attributing the decision to the emotional and mental impact of Russia’s war in her native Ukraine. Svitolina, 32, said in a statement posted on both players’ Instagram profiles on Monday that she had endured sleepless nights, doubts and a feeling of losing herself, even with Monfils’ support, before coming to the conclusion that she could not rediscover herself within their marriage. “Gaël saw all
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