Why Gael Monfils is not at Wimbledon watching wife Elina Svitolina?
Svitolina addresses questions about husband's absence following her impressive run at SW19.
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Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils (Credits: Social Media)
Wildcard Elina Svitolina has had a dream run at the Wimbledon Championships so far, with her biggest win coming in her quarterfinal match-up against top-seed and heavy favorite Iga Swiatek. However, people are rather curious as to why her husband and fellow tennis professional, Gael Monfils, is not at Wimbledon to cheer for her.
The 36-year-old, a formidable tennis player himself, injured his wrist at the French Open last month and is recuperating from the injury. The Frenchman also has parental duties now, as he has to look after their newborn daughter, Skai.
Prior to her Round of 16 win against Victoria Azarenka, Svitolina had cheekily remarked that it’s now the turn of her husband, Monfils, to babysit their daughter. Svitolina, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, was specifically asked about her husband’s absence yet again following her impressive quarterfinal win over World No. 1 Iga Swiatek. She joked that she didn’t want to jinx her chances, although she would have loved to have her husband by her corner, turning the crowd into a frenzy.
She said, “I wouldn’t want to change so much the things. I’m not really superstitious, but I don’t want to jinx few things (smiling). He’s happy at home. He’s watching from home with Skai and with my parents, as well. He has his routines as well before my match. He’s also right now recovering and getting ready for the U.S. swing. It’s okay. I let him stay at home for now.“
The Ukrainian has adapted to the rigors of the Grand Slam quite rapidly since making her much-awaited comeback post-pregnancy this April. She reached the quarterfinals of the French Open and has continued her fine run at the Championships. The former World No. 3 has been prolific at SW19, scalping four former Grand Slam champions en route to her second semi-final appearance at the All England Club.
Elina Svitolina’s Wimbledon journey so far
After her third-round win against Sofia Kenin, the 28-year-old tennis player spoke about her husband’s absence from the tournament. She said that he wanted her to come back because he was tired, but that he was also enjoying himself at home with their daughter and their parents.
The Ukrainian’s dream run at Wimbledon was halted by Czech Markéta Vondroušová, as the 24-year-old romped home in straight sets to book her second appearance in a Grand Slam final, following her runner-up finish at the 2019 French Open.
Svitolina’s fine comeback runs at the French Open and Wimbledon have been truly inspirational. After taking a break from the sport to have a baby, she returned to the tour in April and has quickly re-established herself as one of the world’s top players. Her run to the semifinals at Wimbledon was particularly impressive, as she defeated four former Grand Slam champions along the way.
With the hard court season now upon us, Svitolina will be looking to continue her strong form as we head into the final Grand Slam of the year at Flushing Meadows.
In case you missed it:
- Wimbledon 2023: Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner Preview, Prediction and Live Stream
- Why is Wimbledon called SW19?
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Arjun K
(41 Articles Published)