“I follow her example, if she hadn’t gone, I wouldn’t have gone either” Gael Monfils praises wife Elina Svitolina for her mental strength amidst the Ukraine-Russia war
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Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils
Tennis couple Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina are going through a rough time ever since the war broke out in Ukraine on 24th February when Russian troops entered the Ukrainian border in an attempt to invade the nation. Ukrainians have been suffering the consequences for a while now and Svitolina is no different as her family continues to remain in Ukraine.
While Svitolina was a strong advocate of the cause towards Ukraine, she promised to donate all of her prize money in the events in March and the subsequent events towards rebuilding her country. Elina played in 3 events since the war began, the 2022 Monterrey Open, the 2022 Indian Wells Open and the 2022 Miami Open. Post the Miami Open, Elina however announced that she will be taking a break from the sport as she finds it difficult to manage playing while her country struggles.
Speaking about Elina’s dedication and professionalism, her husband Gael recently spoke with the Parisian praising Elina for being strong in such difficult situations when she continues to worry about the safety of her family while also focussing on playing on the Tour.
“I am in awe of my wife. Frankly, it is thanks to her that I play. In all transparency, if she hadn’t gone to Indian Wells and Miami, I wouldn’t have gone there either. I can’t even figure out how she could play. It’s exceptional to find so much energy, will in moments like that. Hats Off! I tell her every time I follow her example. She has exceptional abilities in life,” said Monfils.
Gael Monfils to play in Monte-Carlo next week, Elina Svitolina continues with her break
Having last played in Miami, Svitolina is yet to announce where she will make a comeback and it could be a while before she returns as the war in Ukraine continues to go on. While Svitolina continues to stay off the court, Monfils will be seen in action at the upcoming 2022 Monte-Carlo Masters with the tournament starting from the next week. Monfils will start against Hubert Hurkacz in what will be a thrilling first-round encounter of the first Masters event on Clay this season.
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