Monfils Criticizes the Reaction to Svitolina's Comments

French tennis player Gael Monfils reacted strongly to the criticism that emerged after his wife Elina Svitolina announced their separation. In a post on Instagram last week, Svitolina linked the end of the marriage to the psychological burden of the war in her home country, Ukraine.

Svitolina's statement led to hostile comments on social media. The criticism grew even more after Svitolina confirmed that the separation had caused Monfils to retire earlier than planned. The 40-year-old Monfils had planned to say goodbye at the Paris Masters in September. However, his second-round loss to Learner Tien at the US Open turned out to be the final match of his professional career.

In a statement on Instagram on Friday, Monfils expressed support for his wife. He said Svitolina did not have to explain the reasons behind her decision, yet she had been sincere. Monfils described the criticism directed at Svitolina as rude at best and toxic at worst.

Monfils said he was grateful that the public cared so much about his happiness, but he was troubled by the disrespect shown to Svitolina. He stressed that not everyone had to understand the decision and that a relationship has many aspects that cannot be seen from the outside.

The couple married in 2021 and have a four-year-old daughter named Skai. Monfils said that despite the separation, they would remain a family together and continue to support each other.