“Life is beyond our sport,” Gael Monfils hails wife Elina Svitolina as a ‘great mother’ ahead of all her on court heroics

Gael Monfils will play Jordan Thompson in an epic second-round match at the Miami Open.

“Life is beyond our sport,” Gael Monfils hails wife Elina Svitolina as a ‘great mother’ ahead of all her on court heroics

Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils (Credits: WTA)

Gael Monfils recently hailed his wife, Elina Svitolina, as being a great mother above anything else. The Frenchman then revealed how the Ukrainian surprised him with her impressive gameplay since her return.

For context, Svitolina stepped away from the court after announcing her pregnancy in March 2022. In October of that year, she and Monfils welcomed their daughter, Skai Monfils. 

YouTube video

The following year, she returned to the Tour and was astounding before getting injured in November. Svitolina went on to win the WTA Comeback Player of the Season.

FS Video

Just a few weeks before she celebrates her first anniversary since her comeback, Monfils, during an interview, hailed his wife, stating that motherhood is a priority above tennis.

She’s a great mother first. That’s first. People want to put tennis first but I think she’s a great mother first. This is the most important for me as her husband because of course we are a tennis couple but life is beyond our sport. She’s an excellent mother and as you said she managed it well on the court. I’m surprised how well she came back, and how strong she is mentally and physically. It’s just amazing.
Gael Monfils said via Tennis Major

The Frenchman also added that despite the Ukraine situation, Elina Svitolina has been able to manage everything, bringing out her best.

I’m amazed and of course with the Ukraine situation is even crazy with everything that she does for her country… and to be able to manage all three… It’s just amazing and she’s a tough woman.
Continuing further, he added

Monfils has been displaying some amazing tennis in recent games. The 37-year-old beat British Cameron Norrie to reach the round of 16 Indian Wells but ultimately fell to Casper Ruud. He will be aiming for another good run at the Miami Open.

Gael Monfils to face Jordan Thompson in Miami Open

Gael Monfils will face Jordan Thompson in the second round of the Miami Open. Both players have been playing well this season, but Thompson is the favorite for the match. The Aussie defeated the likes of Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud to win his first ATP title in Los Cabos in February.

Gael Monfils (L), Jordan Thompson (R) via Imago

Thompson sits at No. 34 in the world ranking, 13 places above Monfils. However, Monfils, who recently knocked out Cameron Norrie in Indian Wells, has been a star for fans in the Sunshine Doubles. The Frenchman has become popular for his signatory playing style, which has made fans love him even more.

In case you missed it: