Key Takeaways
- Gael Monfils abruptly finished his tennis career after Elina Svitolina informed him she wanted a divorce.
- L’Equipe reported that the news completely stunned Monfils and left him unable to continue playing.
- Monfils withdrew from anti-doping testing on October 5, instantly ending his eligibility ahead of planned farewell events in Lyon, Vienna and Paris.
Sudden marriage breakdown triggered immediate retirement
Gael Monfils brought a sudden halt to his professional tennis career following news that his wife, Elina Svitolina, sought a divorce. French outlet L’Equipe reported that the 40-year-old former world No. 6 was entirely blindsided by the revelation, leaving him unable to continue competing.
Journalist Franck Ramella described how the sudden news severely shook the French player, writing that “it hit him like a ton of bricks” and left him mentally unable to take the court as the sport immediately lost its purpose for him.
Departure from testing protocol cut farewell plans short
The retirement arrived far earlier than originally planned. Monfils had competed at the US Open, where he fell in the second round in singles to Learner Tien and partnered Svitolina to the mixed doubles semifinals. He had secured a wildcard entry for Lyon and planned appearances in Vienna and the Paris Masters for an official farewell.
Those plans vanished on October 5, when Monfils withdrew from the International Tennis Integrity Agency anti-doping testing program. Stepping out of the mandatory testing pool rendered him ineligible for professional tournaments with immediate effect.
Svitolina acknowledges impact on husband’s abrupt exit
Svitolina initially announced the divorce on social media before providing further context in a follow-up message. The Ukrainian explained that she was unhappy and decided to prioritize her personal well-being after agonizing deliberation.
Addressing the timing of her former partner’s exit, Svitolina acknowledged that Monfils chose to stop playing entirely because of their domestic separation. She expressed regret over unfair criticism directed at him, noting that the couple later issued a joint message to clarify the circumstances.
Monfils and Svitolina married in 2021 and had their first child together, Skai, in 2022.
Elina Svitolina in 2026
Currently the world no.6, Elina played her last match on the 16th of October when she lost to world no.49 Sonay Kartal 6-2 2-6 6-4 in the quarter in Wuhan (draw).
Until now, during this year Elina owns a compiled 50-17 record. Elina clinched 2 titles in 2026 in Auckland and Rome.
