Gael Monfils on US Open doubles with Elina Svitolina: Memory for us and daughter

Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina turned their US Open mixed-doubles into a memorable semi-final run. Though they fell short against Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli, the couple cherished playing together for the first and last time, creating a memory their daughter can treasure.Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils played the US Open mixed doubles together. Courtesy: ReutersThe 2026 US Open has already delivered plenty of star power before the singles action gets underway, but Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina have created one of the tournament’s most touching stories. The only married couple in the mixed-doubles draw, they turned a wild-card entry into an unexpected semi-final run, making it a memorable family affair in what is Monfils’ final year of professional tennis.The Frenchman and Ukrainian were playing competitive doubles together for the first time, but their understanding was evident from the start. They defeated Alexandra Eala and Felix Auger-Aliassime before overcoming the world No. 1 doubles pairing of Henry Patten and Katerina Siniakova in a thrilling quarter-final.Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic in same half as US Open announces singles drawSvitolina credited their connection and support for getting through the contest against the top-ranked doubles specialists. “We had lots of nice moments, and I think we understand each other and what we're going through during this moment after the win. So, yeah, it's amazing to have my husband next to me and supporting me. I think this is what got us through.”SPECIAL MEMORY FOR MONFILS-SVITOLINA FAMILY Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils reached the semis at US Open. Courtesy: Reuters With Monfils entering the final chapter of his career, Svitolina knew their run meant more than simply results on a scoreboard. “It would be the most special year for Gal, as the last one, and of course, playing together. It's amazing, and yeah, just looking forward to more memories,” she said.Those memories nearly became even more special when the couple reached the semi-finals, where they faced Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli. A place in the final and the chance to play together for the US Open mixed-doubles title was within reach.However, Bencic and Cobolli ended their run 5-4(7), 1-4, 10-5, denying Monfils and Svitolina the chance to contest the championship match.For Monfils, though, the significance of the run went far beyond winning or losing.“It's a great honour, to be honest, in the last year, playing together for the first and last time. It's something that, you know, will stay with us forever, for our daughter, who'll see that mommy and daddy played together. So, for me, I think it's just amazing.”FOCUS SHITS TO SINGLES FOR TENNIS’ POWER COUPLE Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina will now shift their focus to singles. Courtesy: Reuters The couple will now turn their attention to singles, with Monfils beginning his final US Open campaign against Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo. Svitolina, seeded ninth, will face Argentina’s Solana Sierra in the women’s singles first round.Both also carry remarkable Grand Slam records into New York. Monfils owns the most Grand Slam singles match wins by a Frenchman, while his 130-plus major victories without reaching a singles final underline the longevity of his career.Svitolina, meanwhile, has established herself as one of the most successful women’s players without a Grand Slam final appearance, with her 2026 Australian Open semi-final run adding another chapter to that story.The mixed-doubles campaign may have ended one step short of the final, but for Monfils and Svitolina, the lasting value of their US Open adventure was never going to be measured by a trophy alone.Their first and last competitive appearance together has already given them and their daughter a memory that will remain long after Monfils walks away from professional tennis.- EndsPublished By: sabyasachi chowdhuryPublished On: Aug 28, 2026 19:56 IST