Gaël Monfils is preparing for what will unarguably be an emotional farewell at his home tournament, the 2026 French Open. The French veteran will compete for one final time at the Grand Slam before he retires from tennis.
Ahead of his campaign at Stade Roland-Garros, Monfils will participate in a pre-tournament exhibition honoring him, alongside the likes of wife Elina Svitolina, Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, and Jannik Sinner. The Gaël & Friends show will stream live on the Roland Garros YouTube channel on Thursday, May 21, from 7:30 p.m. CET onwards.
Elina Svitolina’s Touching Revelations to Daughter Skaï Ahead of Gaël Monfils’ Show
Just hours before the couple’s appearance on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Svitolina shared an emotional letter with the Players’ Tribune addressed to their three-and-a-half-year-old daughter Skaï. In the letter, she wrote about her husband’s on-court magic and how the couple started dating. The Ukrainian star also touched upon Monfils’ support during hard times.
Gaël Monfils scripted a legacy like no other during his 22-year-long career, having turned pro in 2004. Popular for his unforgettable trick shots on the tennis court and his lively persona, Monfils staged a memorable career, winning 13 ATP titles and reaching a career-best ranking of World No. 6. Among his many achievements is a semifinal run at the French Open in front of his home crowd in 2008.
“Your dad, in just one shot, one moment, he could achieve what I think few athletes ever achieve. He could make people feel something,” Svitolina wrote to their daughter in her message. “Your dad was the best magician.”
“His creativity, his speed, his intelligence, his coordination… and let’s be honest, his cute smile. With Gaël, you are feeling like he’s putting on a magic show, just for you,” she added.
Svitolina would’ve been around 10 when Monfils turned pro, aged 17. The Frenchman had enjoyed a spectacular 2004 as a junior, reaching the No. 1 ranking after winning the boys’ singles titles at the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon. And he quickly became famous.
“In the shop at our tennis center, there were many racquets for sale, and one was a Prince model with his picture on the cardboard cover,” Svitolina said about her childhood, jokingly adding, “If you would tell me back then, I will end up marrying the guy on the Prince cardboard… I think I would say, first, that racquet is too HEAVY! Second, I don’t believe you.”
The players were introduced to each other by a mutual friend in 2017. They went on their first date a year later, when she flew to Paris to celebrate after winning the WTA Finals in Singapore.
After partying in the French capital, the couple went on a coffee date the next day, and the rest is history. “We had so much in common, as two people living an insane life in tennis, and it felt good to be able to talk in an honest way about that life,” the 31-year-old wrote.
She also amusingly recalled discussing family with her future husband. “Not exactly a first-date topic! I was like, ‘I’ll probably play until I’m 28 or 29, then take a break and have a baby, then I’ll come back and play again.’”
Monfils made an impression on Svitolina as a “kind listener.” The date concluded with a peck on the cheek after the Frenchman managed to surprise her with a card trick. “I think a few weeks later, we are basically living together.”
While admitting that, along the way, the couple has encountered moments that were “quite hard,” the Ukrainian said, “Being someone’s partner, it can be fun, but also it’s hard work. So you want to make sure you choose a partner who is comfortable with both. And for me, that’s Gaël.”
“Whether he’s playing with you outside during the day, or reading to you before bed at night, or taking classes he will be able to use in his next career … I think he is always doing the little things to comfort our trio in some way,” she added.
According to Svitolina, Monfils endured race-related discrimination at tennis clubs as a child. “This made my heart break, and it made me so angry. But it also gave me so much admiration for the journey he’s been on.”
MORE: Elina Svitolina Fondly Details Husband Gaël Monfils’ ‘Precious’ Bond With Daughter Skaï
“I hope that when you read this, it will seem impossible to believe something like that ever happened … but I think it’s in the world even now. I’ve definitely seen from some of the reactions to your dad and me as a mixed-race couple.”
“I’m always blown away by how he handles this stuff — it’s with such grace. And when I wonder about your own experiences you’ll have as a mixed-race child, then as a mixed-race woman, I know how grateful I am that Gaël is your father. There is no one I trust more to help you navigate the world,” she emotionally conveyed.
Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina will soon commence their respective French Open campaigns. The veteran has drawn compatriot Hugo Gaston in the first round. Svitolina, meanwhile, is one of the favorites to win her first Grand Slam after a spectacular title run at the Italian Open. She begins her campaign against Anna Bondár.
