‘What the war has done to me inside’: Ukraine’s Svitolina announces separation from Monfils

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina has announced her separation from husband Gaël Monfils, attributing the emotional strain caused by the war in Ukraine as a major reason for their split. This revelation underscores the profound mental health toll the conflict is having on Ukrainian athletes, even those competing on the global stage.

Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has announced her separation from husband Gaël Monfils, citing the emotional impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine as a key factor in her decision. The world No. 6 player shared the news in a heartfelt Instagram post, revealing the personal toll that the conflict has taken on her mental well-being.

In her statement, the 32-year-old described experiencing sleepless nights and a growing sense of self-doubt since the war began. She said these challenges led her to realize that she needed to rediscover her identity independently and that she could no longer do so within the confines of her marriage. “This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to share,” Svitolina wrote, acknowledging the deep emotional struggle involved in communicating this decision to Monfils. She praised her husband for his understanding and respect during this difficult time.

Svitolina and Monfils, a former French world No. 6 and 13-time ATP title winner, married in 2021. They share a four-year-old daughter named Skai. Despite ending their marriage, Svitolina emphasized the couple’s commitment to their family, stating, “Skai will always come first… Our marriage is ending, but our family is not.” She also stressed that there is no blame in their separation, characterizing it as a chapter evolving from a relationship once marked by deep love.

Monfils, 40, had been expected to retire following the Paris Masters tournament slated to begin on October 31, but recent developments indicate he may have brought forward his retirement plans. The Frenchman was recently listed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency as a retired player, suggesting he may have stepped away from professional tennis sooner than initially anticipated.

The announcement adds a personal dimension to the ongoing challenges faced by Ukrainian athletes amid the broader instability caused by the conflict. Svitolina’s openness highlights the psychological impact the war continues to exert on individuals connected to Ukraine, even those living and competing internationally.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.