Elina Svitolina struggled to hold back tears as her husband Gaƫl Monfils bid an emotional farewell to the French Open after suffering a loss in the first round. During the special on-court ceremony that followed, the Frenchman paid tribute to Svitolina with touching words about their family.
Gaƫl Monfils Brings Elina Svitolina to Tears During Emotional French Open Farewell
Making his 19th and final appearance at his home Slam, Monfils locked horns with fellow Frenchman Hugo Gaston in the first round. After losing the first two sets, Monfils thrilled the crowd at Court Philippe-Chatrier with a spectacular comeback to force a decider. However, Gaston ultimately claimed a 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-0 victory, bringing an end to the 39-year-old’s memorable journey at the French Open.
Monfils’ legacy at the clay-court Major was then celebrated in a special ceremony, featuring a heartwarming video tribute from players such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz, among others.
The Frenchman also delivered an emotional speech, which included a special tribute to Svitolina, who was left teary-eyed in his player’s box as he expressed gratitude for her unwavering support and for the gift of their daughter, SkaĆÆ.
“I would like to thank my wife because without her, I maybe wouldn’t be still here tonight. We’ve been together 8 beautiful years, you have supported me, raised me up, loved me, and you gave me the greatest gift in our daughter. I love you,” he said.
Gael š§” Elina #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/LPXqAUphoF
ā Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 25, 2026
Svitolina later comforted Monfils with a kiss after he left the court.
Nothing but love ā¤ļø#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/pmWSQybX5l
ā Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 25, 2026
Speaking during his post-match press conference, Monfils reflected on the emotions of bidding farewell to Roland Garros, disclosing that he will lean on Svitolina for support while looking forward to reuniting with their daughter.
“I already accepted it when I announced that I stop. It’s going to be tough tonight because all the nerves, all the preparation. I’ve been waiting for long for this moment. It was really long because I haven’t played much before so it’s more that you know. When I will get out for sure it won’t be that easy but as I mentioned on the court, I will have a great support at home with Elina, great support with my family. I’ll be with her tonight. I might be with my daughter tomorrow. So, everything will help me to to feel better,” he said.
While GaĆ«l Monfils’ run at the French Open has come to an end, Elina Svitolina remains in contention for the title. She survived a scare in her opening match against Anna BondĆ”r, claiming a hard-fought 3-6, 6-1, 7-6[10-3] victory to advance to the second round, where she will take on Spain’s Kaitlin Quevedo.
