Elina Svitolina opened her 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, cruising past Varvara Gracheva in the first round of the ASB Classic in Auckland. Adding to her encouragement, the Ukrainian was accompanied at the tournament by her husband, Gaël Monfils.
Following her dominant win over the Frenchwoman, Svitolina reflected on what it meant to have her husband with her in the city, hinting at the candid opinions he shares along the way.
Elina Svitolina Gets Honest on Husband’s Gaël Monfils ‘Especially Important’ Presence
Svitolina and Monfils are among tennis’ most talked-about power couples, often spotted enjoying life together on and off the court. Their story began in 2018, when Monfils invited Svitolina to join him and his friends for drinks after her WTA Finals triumph. Three years later, the pair announced their engagement on Instagram on April 3, 2021.
The ultimate and most memorable moment came a few months later, when the couple tied the knot in July 2021 in Geneva, Switzerland. Just over a year after their wedding, they were blessed with a daughter, Skaï.
While Monfils announced last year that he plans to retire after the 2026 season, Svitolina remains active on tour and is currently competing at the ASB Classic. The Ukrainian, seeded at the top, advanced comfortably to the second round with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Gracheva. After the match, the 31-year-old spoke to the media and was asked about the support from her husband, who accompanied her to Auckland.
Svitolina said Monfils’ experience and calm nature provide balance in their relationship, allowing them to know when to talk about tennis and when to simply relax together.
“He has a lot of experience, much more than I do. Off the court, he’s a very calm person, and we talk, sometimes a lot, sometimes just a little. I think we have a good sense of when we need to talk, and when we should just watch a TV show and not discuss tennis. That balance is very important,” she said.
Svitolina emphasized the value of having someone, like her husband, who speaks honestly. Even if the truth is hard to hear, their perspective is particularly meaningful and supportive.
“It’s important to have someone on your team and by your side who speaks honestly and whose opinion you can accept. Sometimes the truth can be hard to hear, but when it comes from your husband or family, I think it’s especially important.”
Up next for the former World No. 3 is Britain’s Katie Boulter, who advanced past Yuliia Starodubtseva in straight sets in the opening round. The two last faced each other nearly six years ago at the 2020 Australian Open, where Svitolina triumphed 6-4, 7-5.
