During his wife Elina Svitolina’s same tournament entry, Gael Monfils has been honest about the experience. On January 1, the pair is scheduled to participate in the ASB Classic in Auckland.
Despite having injuries recently, 37-year-old Monfils is still having fun playing tennis. Making his third appearance in Auckland, the experienced Frenchman last competed on tour in the first round of the Paris Masters.
Monfils, who is now married to Svitolina and has a daughter named Skai, discussed the benefits and drawbacks of travelling and competing with his partner ahead of his most recent performance in the ASB Classic.
Monfils expressed his thoughts in a recent interview and said: “The good part is that we can spend more time together, especially now with our daughter; it’s so much easier. But it brings a bit more stress because we always want the other one to play well, so it’s like you play two matches instead of one. For both of us, it’s a big help. We have huge support, and we can rely on each other, so that’s a big boost.”
#ANNOUNCE: Tennis’ most famous couple is coming to NZ shores! 🇳🇿❤️🔥
Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils, two of the most respected names in tennis, will be gracing the #ASBClassic stage and continue their comeback streaks from the ‘23 season 💪
🎟️https://t.co/N1UJQHe257 #LetsPlay pic.twitter.com/YFtWaKgCZc
— ASB Classic (@ASB_Classic) November 15, 2023
Gael Monfils in 2023
Now ranked no.74, the French player played his last match on the 31st of October when he surrendered to world no.21 Francisco Cerundolo 4-6 7-6(2) 7-5 in the 1st round in Paris (draw).
At the moment, during this season Gael has managed to achieve a compiled 16-15 match record. Gael clinched 1 title in Stockholm.
He is also scheduled to play at the Australian Open (Australian Open) after Auckland. The main draw will start on the 8th of January.
Elina Svitolina in 2023
Ranked world no.25, the Ukrainian played her last match on the 2nd of September when she lost to world no.5 Jessica Pegula 6-4 4-6 6-2 in the 3rd round of the U.S. Open (draw).
This season Elina has managed to achieve a composed 21-12 record. The Ukrainian has won 1 title in Strasbourg.