Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has come to the defense of her French boyfriend Gael Monfils after he was criticized for some comments he made in the press. Gael, an 8 time ATP champion had made some comments about the financial struggles tennis players go through as they try to participate in tournaments around the world. He suggested that he would need to reach the fourth round of the US Open in order to make at least $100,000 USD that would help for the expenses. His comments were picked up by a journalist and some criticism came his way after the story was published.
Comments made on a light note
While speaking to the press Elina defended Gael’s comments, saying that the story was being exaggerated into a bigger story than it needed to be. She noted that Gael made the comments at the end of an interview and that it was only on a light note. The 24-year-old Elina, however, noted that reaching the third round of a major tennis tournament is usually enough to cover for travel expenses. She said that she was disappointed that the journalist would make a story of it and felt that it was blown out of proportion
Elina urges the press not to jump to conclusions
Elina cautioned the press from publishing comments out of context noting that people had been quick to jump to conclusions about Gael’s character based on the story which had been published. She implored that people were different and had different habits and needs when it comes to finances. Even when traveling she noted that some players may want a larger party to travel with which may contribute to an increased in personal traveling and accommodation expenses.
Since when Svitolina and Gael are dating?
Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils have been dating since January of this year when they made their romantic relationship public. The couple have been seen openly supporting each other at various tournaments and even train together on several occasions. They have also not been afraid to talk to the media about their relationship and some in the game think they could be good for each other’s career. Could Elina and Gael be on their way to being tennis’s number one couple? We can only wish these two athletes the very best in the future.
Svitolina at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2019
Ranked no.5, the Ukrainian has a 28-15 win-loss record in 2019. Svitolina is at the U.S. Open where she bested Whitney Osuigwe 6-1 7-5, Venus Williams 6-4 6-4, Dayana Yastremska 6-2 6-0, Madison Keys 7-5 6-4 and Johanna Konta 6-4 6-4.
Svitolina will square off with Serena Williams in the semifinal. The head to head is 4-1 for Williams.
The last time that they played, Svitolina won 6-4 6-3 in the 3rd round in Rio de Janeiro in August 2016.
The Ukrainian won 13 titles in her career: 7 on hard courts, 4 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
