Gael Monfils Admits Elina Svitolina Divorce Pushed Him to Retire from Tennis
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Gael Monfils addressed his retirement from tennis and how his recent divorce from Elina Svitolina played a role.
"It's already very hard to step out at the end of your career, with emotions you've never experienced before, when you're also going through a difficult time … I just couldn't see myself playing," he said Monday on a Twitch stream (via The Athletic's James Hansen ).
Svitolina announced on Oct. 19 she and Monfils were separating. She cited Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia as a contributing factor as it has taken a mental toll on her.
The Australian Open semifinalist said that "there is no one to blame here," and Monfils remained by her side to provide support.
"Gaël has loved me through my greatest joys and my darkest moments, and I have loved him with all my heart," she wrote. "Together, we built a beautiful life, and we were given the most precious gift of all, our daughter, Skai."
Monfils confirmed last September he intended to retire upon the conclusion of the 2026 season. However, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) lists him as retired as of Oct. 5.
The 40-year-old explained Monday his divorce from Svitolina "really hurt me."
"This separation didn't leave me unaffected," he said. "For people who've been in my situation, living through a break up isn't easy: When something like that happens, I can't train the way I want to. I'm not in the best frame of mind."
The Frenchman never captured a Grand Slam title but was a fan favorite through the years. If anything, the absence of a major championship actually added to his legend. He was the naturally gifted artist who attained cult hero status.
Monfils will at least be able to say a proper goodbye at the Paris Masters. The tournament said he will be honored during the night session matches on Nov. 3.
His last tournament was the U.S. Open. He advanced to the second round, losing to 14th-seeded Learner Tien in straight sets.