Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina and French player Gaël Monfils have announced their divorce after five years of marriage. The couple published a joint statement on their official Instagram pages, infohub.kz reports.
"This is the hardest thing I have ever had to share. Everyone knows how much Ukraine means to me. But I have rarely spoken about what was happening inside me. Last year I told you that I needed to take a break from tennis because I was not in the right emotional state. Today I want to share a little more. You did not see the sleepless nights, the doubts and the feeling that I was gradually losing myself. Gaël saw all of it. He never let go of my hand. We fought together for a long time, with everything we had. But some battles take place deep inside, and no amount of love from another person can win them," Svitolina said.
According to the player, she realized she could not "find her way back to herself" in her marriage to Monfils.
"This is the hardest truth I have ever had to face, and the hardest thing I have ever had to say to someone I love. Gaël listened to me. He respected my needs, showing a strength and grace I will never forget. Gaël loved me in the happiest moments of my life and in the darkest ones, and I loved him with all my heart. Together we built a beautiful life, and we were given the most precious gift of all — our daughter, Skai. Skai will always come first. Our marriage is coming to an end, but our family is not. We will always be her parents and will be there at every stage of her life. Please know that there is no one to blame here. There are simply two people who loved each other deeply, and a story that is only just beginning to change," the Ukrainian tennis player added.
It was previously reported that the couple began dating back in 2019, but in 2021, after the Australian Championship, the pair announced they were taking a break in their relationship. However, in July 2021 the couple announced their wedding had taken place.