Gael Monfils Bids Farewell as Elina Svitolina Advances
French tennis star Gael Monfils delivered a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Elina Svitolina, following the last match of his professional career at Roland Garros. In the tournament’s first round, Monfils fell to Hugo Gaston with a final score of 2:6, 3:6, 6:3, 6:2, 0:6. During his farewell speech, he expressed deep gratitude to Svitolina, his partner for the past eight years.
“I want to thank my wife. Without her, I probably wouldn’t be here tonight. You supported me and loved me. You gave me the greatest gift—our daughter. I love you,”
Gael Monfils
Meanwhile, Svitolina continued her own campaign at the tournament, defeating Hungary’s Bondar. Notably, Bondar had previously competed in Russia’s Gazprom-sponsored event. Several other Ukrainian tennis players also achieved strong results:
- Daria Snigur advanced to the second round after a three-set victory over Clara Tauson;
- Marta Kostyuk secured a win against Spain’s Oksana Selekhmetieva.
In her post-match remarks, Kostyuk addressed Russia’s attack on Kyiv, highlighting the ongoing significance of events in her home country.
These moments at Roland Garros marked both the retirement of one of tennis’s most charismatic figures and the continued rise of his wife, showcasing the interplay between personal and professional lives in elite sports. The tournament also served as a stage for Ukrainian players to shine internationally, a meaningful achievement amid the challenges facing Ukraine today.
While Monfils bids farewell to his illustrious career, his wife continues to make strides at the tournament. Elina's recent victory at Roland Garros showcases her resilience and determination, adding another chapter to their compelling story as a couple in the world of tennis. To learn more about their recent success in an exhibition event, click here.