Elina Svitolina announces split from husband Gael Monfils in emotional statement

The Ukrainian and French tennis stars began dating in 2019 before marrying in the summer of 2021. They welcomed their daughter, Skai, in October 2022, and had largely kept their family life private.

However, Svitolina took to Instagram on Monday to announce their separation, stressing that while their marriage was ending, "our family is not".

The 32-year-old credited Monfils with supporting her through difficult times but said that "some battles happen deep inside you", adding that another person's love cannot win those battles for you.

Svitolina, who has spoken about the emotional toll of Russia's war against Ukraine, described her decision as the "hardest truth I have ever had to face" and the most difficult thing she had ever had to tell someone she loves.

She has asked for space to heal, emphasising that there is "no one to blame", while expressing her love and respect for Monfils, who is nearing the end of his professional tennis career.

Svitolina wrote on Instagram: "This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to share. Everyone knows how much Ukraine means to me. What I have rarely spoken about is what the war has done to me inside.

"Last year, I told you I needed to step away from the court because I wasn't in the right emotional space. Today, I want to open up a little more. What you didn't see were the sleepless nights, the doubts, and the feeling of slowly losing myself.

"Gael saw all of it. He never let go of my hand. We fought through this together for a long time, with everything we had. But some battles happen deep inside you, and no amount of love from someone else can win them for you.

"With time, I came to understand that I need to find my way back to myself and that I cannot do that within our marriage. It is the hardest truth I have ever had to face and the hardest thing I have ever had to tell the person I love. Gaël listened. He has respected what I need with a strength and grace I will never forget.

"Gael has loved me through my greatest joys and my darkest moments, and I have loved him with all my heart. Together, we built a beautiful life, and we were given the most precious gift of all, our daughter, Skai.

"Skai will always come first. Our marriage is ending, but our family is not. We will always be her parents, side by side, at every step of her life. Please know that there is no one to blame here. There are only two people who loved each other deeply and a story that is changing shape. We ask for your kindness and for the space we need to heal. Thank you for your love."

Last September, Svitolina brought her season to an early end after admitting she was "not feeling like myself", taking an extended break to focus on her mental and emotional well-being.

She and Monfils last appeared together on court in mixed doubles at the US Open in late August. Monfils, 39, is scheduled to bring his professional career to a close at the Paris Masters in the coming weeks. 

READ MORE: 'I'm not a robot': Alexander Zverev blames gruelling schedule for Shanghai exit