Elina Svitolina has returned home victorious after her impressive campaign at the 2026 Italian Open, where she captured her 20th tour-level title. The Ukrainian shared a sweet glimpse of her quality time with husband Gaël Monfils and their daughter Skaï after bringing home a special gift for the three-year-old.
Elina Svitolina Hits the Padel Court with Husband Gaël Monfils and Daughter Skaï
After a disappointing opening-round exit at the Madrid Open, Svitolina bounced back emphatically in Rome by making a dominant run to the quarterfinals. She then upset Elena Rybakina and Iga Świątek in back-to-back matches before claiming a 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2 win over Coco Gauff in the riveting final.
While the Ukrainian was in action at the WTA 1000 event, Monfils handled parenting duties for their daughter Skaï at home. However, the three-year-old was far from forgotten, as the WTA gifted Svitolina a bag of souvenirs, which included a surprise for her daughter.
“Aww it’s for Skaï! She’s gonna love it. It’s perfect because I don’t have many gifts for her,” she said after pulling out an adorable plushie.
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After celebrating her victory with a scenic photoshoot at the Trevi Fountain, the 31-year-old hurried home to reunite with her family. She shared an adorable glimpse of them hitting the padel court together, echoing her recent comments about how Monfils likes to introduce Skaï to different sports.
During her post-match press conference in Rome, Svitolina shed light on the heartfelt conversation she had with Monfils about the milestone win before the trophy ceremony.
“Yeah, I spoke with him actually before the ceremony. He was just very happy, very proud of the effort. He knows how much it means to me to win here, to win my 20th title. I really wanted to before I finish my career get a round number, for me to get over this hurdle of 20 titles,” she said.
The Ukrainian also disclosed how her husband had lifted her spirits and encouraged her after her disappointing showing at the Madrid Open.
“Yeah, I felt like he’s very proud of the effort. He also been watching all the matches this week. After an early loss in Madrid, for sure it was not an easy kind of days for me,” she added. “He always tells me that you love to play here in Rome, so just go for it. Yeah, I think he’s very proud and happy the way I just handle myself on the court.”
Gaël Monfils also expressed his love and admiration in an emotional message for Elina Svitolina after her victory in Rome, proudly lauding her for being “an incredible mom to Skaï, an exceptional athlete, a soul like no other.”
