Journalist shares touching Gael Monfils story that gives new insight into Elina Svitolina’s divorce
A French journalist recently shared his memories of a press conference with Gael Monfils at the 2021 Australian Open, offering new insight into Monfils’ divorce from Elina Svitolina.
Monfils surprised the tennis world in October when it was revealed that he had officially retired. Just this week, Svitolina announced their divorce.
Monfils was expected to play in two farewell tournaments in Lyon and Paris. The journalist remembered his time with Monfils in 2021 and helped explain why Monfils decided to retire after his split from Svitolina.
At the 2021 Australian Open, Monfils faced a tough first-round loss against Emil Ruusuvori, who was ranked No.86 at the time. After the match, Monfils looked really down and told the press, “No confidence… I’m being honest—I have no confidence right now. I don’t feel good, and it shows. I don’t need to say more.”
At that time, many thought Monfils was struggling because he was far from his family, and the pandemic made it hard for players to have their loved ones with them in Melbourne. The journalist, who was the only French reporter at the tournament, also remembered those tough conditions.
“Of all the moments in Gael Monfils’ career, it was his tears in Melbourne that touched me the most. It was February 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic,” the journalist said. “I had spent fourteen days in hotel quarantine and was the only French journalist in Australia.”
When the journalist asked Monfils what kept him hopeful during these low moments, Monfils hesitated. Then he shared a message from his mother, but broke down in tears. “She tells me: ‘We must keep training, and it will come back. That’s the only trick,’” he said.
Monfils lost a tough five-set match and asked the reporters to be kind during the post-match press conference. “I feel judged. I’m already down, and you’re shooting at me,” Monfils said. He seemed to have lost the joy that made fans love his game.
The journalist added, “Generous, sensitive, and fragile, he never knew how to play well without being happy off the court. That’s probably part of why he retired so early—it took everyone by surprise. His last ‘Monfiserie.’”
On Monday, Svitolina shared a heartfelt message on Instagram: “We fought through this together for a long time. But some battles happen inside you, and no amount of love from someone else can win them. I realized I need to find my way back to myself, and I can’t do that while we’re married. It’s the hardest truth I ever faced and told the person I love.”
She added, “Gael listened and respected what I need with strength and grace I’ll never forget. He loved me through my best and darkest times, and I’ve loved him with all my heart.”
Though Monfils has had personal and professional challenges, he’s expected to return to tennis for an exhibition event honoring three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka’s retirement. This will take place on December 19 in Geneva, where Monfils will join Roger Federer and Andy Murray.