Unkind, venomous: Monfils defends Svitolina amid online criticism after separation

Gael Monfils has defended Elina Svitolina against online criticism following their separation. In an Instagram post, the French tennis star urged fans to respect their privacy, saying outsiders cannot understand the complexities of a relationship.Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina announced their separation which took fans by surprise. (Image: Reuters)New Delhi,Oct 24, 2026 08:39 ISTGael Monfils has defended Elina Svitolina against online criticism following their decision to separate, urging fans to respect their privacy and recognise that there is more to their relationship than what they share publicly.In a statement posted on Instagram, the French tennis star criticised the backlash against Svitolina after she spoke about her reasons for the separation, describing some of the comments directed at her as "unkind at best, and venomous at worst".Monfils said the public's interest in his happiness had been accompanied by a lack of consideration for Svitolina. He argued that people could not fully understand the circumstances behind their decision from a social media post."While some may not understand her reasons, or agree with them, please remember that there is so much more that happens in a relationship behind the curtain that cannot be explained in a post," he wrote. The 39-year-old added that the separation would not end their bond as a family, with the two continuing to support each other as parents to their daughter, Skai.MONFILS BACKS SVITOLINAMonfils acknowledged that the separation had been painful but said he respected Svitolina's decision. He also credited the Ukrainian with supporting him during difficult periods in his tennis career, including when injuries and self-doubt left him considering retirement. "When I was ready to quit tennis, she gave me the encouragement I needed to continue," Monfils wrote, adding that their daughter was the greatest of his life's achievements.He also took issue with the scrutiny of Svitolina's explanation, saying she had not been obligated to justify her decision publicly. According to Monfils, she had chosen to discuss the separation openly, only to face criticism from people who felt her explanation was inadequate.The Frenchman urged fans to look beyond their public identities and recognise the individuals dealing with a difficult personal transition."As we move through this new chapter, I would ask everyone to remember that we are all just human beings: not Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina, but Gael and Elina. Imperfect, but trying our best," he added.SEPARATION AND RETIREMENTThe statement follows days of speculation about the circumstances surrounding the couple's separation, particularly after Svitolina addressed the backlash to her initial announcement.In an earlier Instagram post, the Ukrainian said the emotional toll of Russia's war against her country had changed her perspective on life, but stressed that it was only one of several factors behind her decision."I just want to clarify my previous post a little, because I realized that not everyone, especially my international audience, fully understood what I was trying to say," she wrote, adding that the decision was "never just about one thing".Svitolina also defended Monfils against criticism following his sudden retirement from professional tennis. She said their situation was more complicated than a single public statement could explain and that some aspects of their separation would remain private.The circumstances surrounding Monfils' retirement subsequently drew attention after French newspaper L'Equipe reported that he learnt of Svitolina's decision to end their marriage during a phone call in late September. According to the report, Monfils was at home in Dubai with their daughter when Svitolina, who was travelling to China, informed him of her decision.Monfils had announced in October 2025 that the 2026 season would be his last on the professional tour. However, his retirement was recorded by the International Tennis Integrity Agency on October 5, weeks before he was expected to play his planned farewell tournaments in Lyon, Vienna and Paris. L'Equipe reported that the personal upheaval may have contributed to his decision to end his career earlier than planned.Monfils and Svitolina married in July 2021 and welcomed their daughter, Skai, in October 2022. Despite their separation, both have stressed that they will continue to support each other as they navigate the next chapter of their lives.Monfils' latest statement makes his position clear: he respects Svitolina's decision and wants the criticism surrounding their separation to stop, while keeping the private details of their relationship out of the public debate.- Ends