Elina Svitolina embraces Gael Monfils’ ‘exciting’ final season of career | ATP Tour

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Svitolina embraces ’emotional’ final season of Monfils’ career

Svitolina talks about Monfils’ imminent retirement

March 13, 2026

As Gael Monfils prepares to end his storied career at the end of 2026, few understand the emotions better than his wife Elina Svitolina.

Speaking at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells after her quarterfinal victory over Iga Swiatek, Svitolina reflected on Monfils’ decision to make the 2026 season his final on tour. The 39-year-old Frenchman, one of the most charismatic fighters in the sport, won his first fight in the California desert before losing in the second round to Felix Auger-Aliassime.

For Svitolina, the reality of Monfils’ impending retirement had begun to set in a few months ago.

“I think the hardest thing for me was when he actually told me,” Svitolina said. “I remember last September, he told me he was thinking about it and that it could happen. It was also difficult for me because I was watching him when he was having great games, starting his career, and then before we got together.”

The Ukrainian, who married Monfils in 2021, has witnessed his journey from multiple perspectives. First as a player watching from afar, and later as a companion experiencing the highs and lows of tour life with him.

“It was certainly very special to stand next to him and see what he was going through,” Svitolina said. “It’s also very touching for me to see the way he’s dealing with it. Of course, it can be difficult and emotional for him at times, and I try to be there for him and support him as much as I can.”

While there will inevitably be moments of reflection in the final season, Svitolina said her character was only there as Monfils navigated the final stages of his career.

“I mean, I don’t think I could really do anything else but just be there and talk sometimes and just be silent sometimes and let him enjoy the last year,” Svitolina said.

Several stops on the calendar are expected to be of special significance, notably the European Clay Court Tour and Roland Garros, where Monfils has been thrilling French audiences for nearly two decades.

“I think Europe, Roland Garros, will be very exciting for him,” Svitolina said. “So it means a lot to our family and it’s a lot of enjoyment because it’s special. It’s a chapter you never forget.”

Svitolina said the family is currently grappling with the mixed emotions brought about by the moment.

“[The] The only thing you can do is live around these emotions,” Svitolina said. “You can’t get away from all the excitement, all the different bad emotions and good emotions. It’s just a mixture of it. We’re just trying to enjoy the moment.”