‘Unkind and Venomous’: Monfils Hits Back at Online Trolls Targeting Svitolina After Separation

Gael Monfils Slams ‘Venomous’ Online Attacks on Elina Svitolina After Separation

French tennis player Gael Monfils has defended Elina Svitolina against a wave of online criticism following their separation, urging the public to show compassion and respect their privacy during a difficult period in their personal lives.

In a statement shared on Instagram, Monfils condemned the harsh comments directed at Svitolina after she spoke about the reasons behind their decision to separate. Describing the reactions as “unkind at best, and venomous at worst”, the 39-year-old called for greater understanding of the complexities involved in their relationship.

Monfils noted that while many people had expressed concern for his well-being, the same consideration had not always been extended to Svitolina. He emphasised that outsiders could not fully understand their circumstances based solely on what they chose to share publicly.

“While some may not understand her reasons, or agree with them, please remember that there is so much more that happens in a relationship behind the curtain that cannot be explained in a post,” he wrote.

He also stressed that their separation would not affect their commitment to raising their daughter, Skai, and that they would continue to support each other as parents.

Monfils Credits Svitolina for Supporting His Tennis Career
While acknowledging the emotional difficulty of their separation, Monfils said he respected Svitolina’s decision. He also highlighted the support she had given him during challenging moments in his professional career, including periods when injuries and uncertainty made him consider quitting tennis.

“When I was ready to quit tennis, she gave me the encouragement I needed to continue,” he said, describing their daughter as the greatest achievement of his life.

Monfils also questioned why Svitolina was expected to explain her personal decision in detail to the public. He pointed out that although she had chosen to speak about the separation, her explanation had attracted criticism from people who believed she had not provided enough information.

Urging people to see beyond their status as internationally recognised athletes, he reminded them that both were individuals dealing with a significant personal change.

“As we move through this new chapter, I would ask everyone to remember that we are all just human beings: not Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina, but Gael and Elina. Imperfect, but trying our best,” he added.

Svitolina Says Separation Was Not About One Issue
The controversy grew after Svitolina addressed the reaction to her initial announcement. In a follow-up Instagram post, the Ukrainian tennis star explained that the emotional impact of Russia’s war against her country had changed her perspective on life, but clarified that it was only one of several factors behind her decision.

“I just want to clarify my previous post a little, because I realized that not everyone, especially my international audience, fully understood what I was trying to say,” she wrote, stressing that the decision was “never just about one thing”.

Svitolina also defended Monfils against criticism over his early retirement from professional tennis. She said their situation was more complicated than a public statement could communicate and indicated that some aspects of their personal lives would remain private.

Retirement and Separation Draw Public Attention
Further speculation followed a report by French newspaper L’Equipe, which claimed that Monfils learned of Svitolina’s decision to end their marriage during a phone call in late September. According to the report, Monfils was at their Dubai home with their daughter while Svitolina was travelling to China.

Monfils had announced in October 2025 that the 2026 season would be his last on the professional circuit. However, the International Tennis Integrity Agency recorded his retirement on October 5, weeks before his planned farewell appearances in Lyon, Vienna and Paris.

The L’Equipe report suggested that the personal turmoil may have played a role in his decision to end his career earlier than expected.

Monfils and Svitolina married in July 2021 and welcomed their daughter, Skai, in October 2022. Despite their separation, both have underlined their commitment to supporting each other as parents.

Monfils’ latest message is a clear appeal to end the online attacks against Svitolina and recognise that personal relationships often involve circumstances that cannot be fully understood from the outside.