# Monfils defends Svitolina after ‘venomous’ criticism

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/monfils-defends-svitolina-after-venomous-criticism/
- Published: 2026-10-24T15:47:19+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-24T16:23:50+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/articles/ckz7xn4xep1go?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Sport

## Key points

- Monfils called criticism of Svitolina “venomous”.
- Svitolina cited the emotional toll of the war in Ukraine.
- The former couple say they remain a family and co-parent their daughter.

## Summary

Gaël Monfils has defended Elina Svitolina after she faced harsh criticism for explaining that the emotional toll of the war in Ukraine contributed to their decision to end their marriage. He said her account was honest and vulnerable, and asked people to remember that a social media post cannot capture everything that happens in a relationship.

Monfils and Svitolina married in 2021 and have a four-year-old daughter, Skai. He said they remain a family and will continue to support and care for one another. Monfils, a former world number six with 13 ATP Tour titles, is listed as retired and is preparing for a career in finance, though he is expected to play at a Geneva exhibition in December.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.