Martina Navratilova Makes ‘Nasty’ Remark After Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina Split

Since October 19, Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina‘s separation has been dominating headlines. Even about a week after Svitolina’s divorce announcement, the discussion about their split doesn’t seem to die down.

It’s Svitolina who has found herself on the receiving end of harsh criticism because the divorce was the reason why a heartbroken Monfils abruptly ended his career earlier than planned. After his second-round defeat to Learner Tien at the US Open, Monfils wanted to play two tournaments in France: the Lyon Open and the Paris Masters. The last Masters 1000 of the season is set to start on November 2.

In Paris, Monfils, a two-time runner-up, wanted to hang up his racket. But on October 5, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) listed him on its retired list, leaving the tennis community guessing the reason behind the sudden retirement. Then came the divorce announcement on October 19.

Fans are simply not buying Svitolina’s explanation that the psychological and emotional toll of the Russia-Ukraine war contributed to the divorce. She uploaded another post, saying there were other factors as well behind her decision, but in vain. It was then that the Frenchman himself came to her defense.

Even though she did not owe anyone an explanation, Elina chose to speak vulnerably and truthfully about her reasons for this decision. She did so in the best way she knew how. Many decided that her explanation wasn’t perfect enough, and Elina has now faced a kind of criticism that I have found unkind at best, and venomous at worst. Elina and I may no longer be a couple, but we are still a family. Though my heart hurts, I am forever grateful to her for her support and love over the years.

Gael Monfils wrote on Instagram

Check out his post here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gael Monfils (@iamgaelmonfils)

Stan Wawrinka, who is retiring this year and has confirmed Monfils’ presence at his own farewell ceremony in Geneva in December, dropped two praying and two heart emoticons in the comment section. Also reacting to Monfils’ post, tennis great Martina Navratilova called the critics “nasty” on X.

People are so nasty. Nobody is hurting more than Elina and Gael right now and people dare criticize them??? Only wish them good luck and good health.

Check out her post here:

People are so nasty. Nobody is hurting more than Elina and Gael right now and people dare criticize them??? Only wish them good luck and good health. 😘😘😘

— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) October 23, 2026

Jessica Pegula’s coach, Mark Knowles, reacts to Elina Svitolina-Gael Monfils divorce

Mark Knowles, who has been coaching Jessica Pegula since 2024, never faced Gael Monfils in singles but has played against him in doubles. The three-time Grand Slam doubles champion, also former World No.1 in this format, admitted during the Inside-In podcast that he was “super bummed out” that Monfils won’t get his send-off in Paris.

I was fortunate enough to play on tour with Gael for a long time. I’ve been able to cover him doing broadcasting and seeing him every week. To me, he’s one of my favorite guys that I was ever around on tour, covering generation after generation, one of my all-time favorites. Really bummed for him, but always thinking about him and just thankful I got to be around him, watch him play – probably the greatest showman we’ve ever had in our sport.

Monfils last won a title at the 2025 ASB Classic. Elina Svitolina was last seen in action in the quarterfinals of the Wuhan Open, losing to Sonay Kartal.

She was then scheduled to play the Ningbo Open and the Pan Pacific Open. But she withdrew from both. The World No. 6 has won two titles from three finals this season. She won the ASB Classic and the Italian Open by beating Wang Xinyu and Coco Gauff. Pegula beat her in Dubai.

Also read: Iga Swiatek Praised for Making ‘Wise Decision’ by Retired World No.1 After Pole Ends Her 2026 Season