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'This hurts': Tennis fans rocked by golden couple's sad break-up

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor
·3-min read
Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils, pictured here in 2020.
Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils have gone their separate ways. Image: Instagram/Getty

Tennis fans have been left shattered after Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina announced their break-up on Saturday.

The tennis golden couple had been dating since 2019 but announced that they've decided to “take a break in our relationship”.

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“The decision was incredibly difficult, because we still have love for each other,” they said in a joint statement.

“But it’s just two best friends realising it’s time to take some space and help each other live the most joyous, fulfilled lives as possible.

“We won’t be commenting beyond this, and we thank you all in advance for respecting our privacy.

“Sending lots of love to everyone.”

Fans were left gutted by the news.

Svitolina and Monfils struggling away from each other

Just last week Svitolina wrote a touching message to Monfils after he crashed out of the Australian Open in the first round.

The Frenchman broke down in tears in his post-match press conference, lost for answers over an unthinkable losing streak that has seen him fail to win a match since the COVID-19 shutdown.

“I would like to get out of this nightmare but I can’t,” Monfils said after losing to unseeded Finnish player Emil Ruusuvouri.

“I do not feel well.”

Svitolina, the World No.5 from Ukraine, then wrote “Gael” with a love heart on a camera lens after winning her first round match.

She also blew a kiss at the camera as she walked off court.

Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina, pictured here at the Dubai Duty Free WTA Summer Party in 2019.
Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina at the Dubai Duty Free WTA Summer Party in 2019. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images for WTA) (Getty Images for WTA)

Last year Svitolina spoke of her heartbreak for Monfils after he also crashed out to in the opening round of the French Open - his earliest exit at Roland Garros in 15 years.

“To be fair, right now I'm thinking I’m playing for both of us,” Svitolina told reports in October.

“I know how much he loves to compete here in Paris and how much he loves to play in front of big crowds.

“Unfortunately this year it's a bit different. So it’s really sad that he couldn’t play his best.”

Monfils and Svitolina have been forced to spend months apart due to the pandemic.

They also weren't allowed to spend quarantine together after arriving in Melbourne for the Australian Open.

“Gael and I have already received a letter in which it says that we are not allowed to see each other during this time in order not to expand the group of people allowed,” Svitolina said.

“It’s be uneasy to know that we are somewhere near but we may not even come close to each other.”

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