Elina Svitolina talks about coping with her breakup with Gael Monfils

Personal trials under the spotlight

Elina Svitolina, who is Ukraine's top-ranked player, admitted that ending her relationship with French tennis player Gael Monfils was one of the most difficult trials of the year. The athlete candidly confessed that adapting to new realities in her private life amid constant media coverage is not easy for her.

She shared these thoughts during a press conference held as part of the 2026 Finals. In response to a question about whether she feels happy after her split with Monfils, the tennis player noted that she is trying to spend more time with her loved ones. Tennis365 reports on the details of this dialogue.

The pressure of public opinion

According to the Ukrainian representative, this year has been filled with intense emotions and internal reflection. She links the particular difficulty of the situation to the fact that the private life of a public figure inevitably falls under public scrutiny, and any of her words or actions become subject to evaluation by outsiders.

«Рік видався непростим. У голові було багато різних думок. Жити на очах у всіх — завдання не з легких. Усе виставляється напоказ, і кожен може це обговорювати або засуджувати. Чесно кажучи, це досить важко. Але ми — професійні спортсмени, і таке наше життя» ("It has been a difficult year. There were many different thoughts in my head. Living in front of everyone is not an easy task. Everything is on display, and everyone can discuss or condemn it. Honestly, it is quite hard. But we are professional athletes, and that is our life"), Svitolina stated.

She also added that, given the daily circumstances and challenges, it is difficult for her to claim that she feels constant happiness.

Focusing on what is within her control

At the same time, the tennis player emphasised that she values the pleasant moments she spends with her family and loved ones. She considers these aspects of her life to be the ones she can directly influence.

«Напевно, у моїй ситуації складно говорити про якесь "суцільне" щастя, зважаючи на все, з чим мені доводиться стикатися щодня. Але ті щасливі миті, які я переживаю з близькими людьми, — це те, на що я можу вплинути» ("Probably, in my situation, it is hard to talk about any 'constant' happiness, considering everything I have to deal with daily. But those happy moments I experience with my loved ones are what I can influence"), the athlete shared.