Indian Wells
Svitolina embraces ’emotional’ final season of Monfils’ career
Svitolina opens up about Monfils’ impending retirement
13 March 2026
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Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina have been married since 2021.
By Sam Jacott
As Gael Monfils prepares to end his storied career at the end of 2026, few people understand the emotions of that moment better than his wife, Elina Svitolina.
Speaking at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells after her quarterfinal win against Iga Swiatek, Svitolina reflected on Monfils’ decision to make the 2026 season her last on tour. One of the sport’s most charismatic performers, the 39-year-old Frenchman won his first match in the California desert before losing to Félix Auger-Aliassime in the second round.
For Svitolina, the reality of Monfils’ impending retirement began to sink in months ago.
“I think the hardest time for me was when they actually told me,” Svitolina said. “I think it was September last year when he told me he was thinking about it and it was probably going to happen. It was hard for me too because I’d been watching him quite a bit when he was having great matches, starting his career and then following him even before we were together.”
The Ukrainian, who married Monfils in 2021, has seen their journey from multiple perspectives. First as a teammate watching from afar, and later as a teammate experiencing the ups and downs of life on tour with him.
“To be next to him and see what he’s been through is definitely very special,” Svitolina said. “For me, it’s also emotional to see the way he’s handling it. Of course sometimes it can be hard and emotional for him, and I try to be with him every step of the way and try to support him.”
While the final season will inevitably offer moments of reflection, Svitolina said her role is simply to be present as Monfils approaches the final stages of his career.
“I mean, I don’t think there’s anything else I can do really, just be there sometimes and talk, sometimes just be quiet to let her enjoy her last year,” Svitolina said.
Several stops on the calendar are expected to have special meaning, particularly the European clay swing and Roland Garros, where Monfils has thrilled French crowds for nearly two decades.
“I think Europe, Roland Garros time will be really emotional for her,” Svitolina said. “So it’s going to be a lot for us as a family, but also a lot of joy, because it’s something special. It’s a chapter you’ll never forget.”
For now, Svitolina said the family is embracing the mix of emotions that comes with such a moment.
“[The] “The only thing you can do is live around these feelings,” Svitolina said. “You can’t get rid of all the excitement, all the different bad feelings and good feelings. It’s just a mixture of it. We just try to enjoy the moment as much as we can.”