INDIAN WELLS, California : Elina Svitolina said maintaining an amicable co-parenting relationship with Gael Monfils and ensuring the wellbeing of their young daughter remain her top priorities as she adjusts to life following their separation.
The Ukrainian and Monfils, the former French world number six, remain in regular contact despite announcing the end of their marriage last month. The couple married in July 2021 and welcomed their daughter, Skai, in October 2022.
Svitolina said the pressures stemming from Russia’s war in Ukraine were among the factors that contributed to the breakdown of their marriage.
“We have a great relationship with Gael,” Svitolina told reporters on Friday after beating Aryna Sabalenka in the WTA Finals round-robin stage to reach the semi-finals of the season-ending tournament at Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
“Even 10 minutes before the match I had to talk with him and we’re on good terms.
“The most important thing for us is to have our daughter being happy. It’s our top priority.”
The 32-year-old said the tournament had offered little escape from the attention surrounding her personal life, with intense media scrutiny and hostile social media comments adding to an already difficult period.
“I wouldn’t say it’s an escape,” she said. “In this situation you just want to be away from the media and all the social media.”
The former world number three said she sometimes disconnects from Instagram and other applications when she feels overwhelmed, preferring to focus on her family. On other days, she finds it easier to look beyond speculation about her private life and remain engaged with the world around her.
“Every day is different,” Svitolina said. “Some days are better, some days are good and some days are bad.”
She said years of dealing with public scrutiny had helped her develop resilience, but acknowledged that online abuse could leave athletes feeling vulnerable before returning to training or competition.
Svitolina welcomed the WTA’s efforts to strengthen player protection, particularly through improved security measures and action against online abuse.
She will face Linda Noskova on Saturday for a place in Sunday’s final of the $10 million tournament, which was relocated from Riyadh amid the US-Israeli war on Iran.
