Elina Svitolina is delivering an impressive campaign at the 2026 Italian Open, while her husband and fellow tennis player, Gaël Monfils, is looking after their daughter, Skaï, at home. Amid her run, Svitolina opened up about Monfils’ heartwarming connection with their daughter, while also reflecting on the emotions surrounding the Frenchman’s final season on the professional tour.
Elina Svitolina Sheds Light on Gael Monfils Teaching Daughter Skai Sports
After a surprising opening-round exit at the Madrid Open, Svitolina has bounced back strongly with a stellar run at the WTA 1000 event in Rome. The Ukrainian triumphed over Noemi Basiletti, Hailey Baptiste, and Nikola Bartůňková to set up a blockbuster quarterfinal clash against Elena Rybakina. In a closely contested 2-hour, 23-minute battle, Svitolina saved 16 break points and secured a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 comeback win.
During an appearance on “The Big T” podcast amid her campaign, Svitolina fondly spoke about Monfils enjoying dad duties while she competes in Rome.
“He’s good. He’s right now staying with Skaï, you know, dad at home. He loves to play golf with her, to teach her golf, tennis, basketball, football, you know. He has lots of energy also at home. It’s great to see him off court and just enjoying it,” she said.
The 31-year-old also braced herself for an emotional display during Monfils’ upcoming final French Open campaign, saying, “Of course, lots of pressure for him this year, but also very special moments for him and especially Roland Garros coming up. It’s going to be special for everybody. So, we’re gonna save some tears for that occasion. But, it’s just incredible to be next to him and really supporting him on this journey.”
Svitolina further reflected on what she might expect from Skaï for Mother’s Day, while gushing over how “precious” it is for her and Monfils to share such meaningful moments with their daughter.
“I think this year she’s going to draw something, I’m sure. It’s just nice to have this these moments together and to enjoy them and it’s such a precious thing that we have our daughter and those moments just really warms my heart,” she added.
Since making a comeback to the tour after giving birth to Skaï in 2022, Elina Svitolina has won three tour-level titles and worked her way back into the top 10 of the rankings. A two-time champion at the Italian Open, she will continue her hunt for her third trophy against No. 4 seed Iga Świątek in the semifinals.
MORE: Iga Świątek Admits Elina Svitolina’s Refusal to Make ‘Stupid Decisions’ Complicates Italian Open SF
Although Świątek holds a 4-2 lead in their head-to-head record, Svitolina claimed a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 victory in their latest encounter at this year’s Indian Wells Open. The winner of their highly anticipated showdown will take on Coco Gauff or Sorana Cîrstea in the all-important final.
