Gael Monfils’ Shocking Revelation: The Real Reason He Almost Quit Professional Tennis Revealed!
In a jaw-dropping confession, Gael Monfils opened up about his near-retirement from professional tennis back in 2020, a decision that was ultimately swayed by his wife, Elina Svitolina. The tennis star, who began his professional career in 2004, came close to hanging up his racket amidst the chaos brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite contemplating retirement, Monfils defied the odds and is still thriving in the tennis world over two decades later. In a remarkable turn of events, he clinched the title at the ATP 250 event in Auckland in 2025 and went on to defeat world No 4 Taylor Fritz at the Australian Open shortly after.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Monfils. The pandemic-induced changes to the tour, including matches played in empty stadiums, took a toll on his motivation. It was during this challenging period that his wife, Elina Svitolina, played a pivotal role in reigniting his passion for the sport.
Monfils candidly shared, “I don’t think so… I think I would have stopped. When I came out of Covid, she helped me a lot. I was really starting to say, ‘I think I’m going to stop.’ And I couldn’t get back to the shape I was before the pandemic. She helped me a lot with that, I found a little desire, this notion of pleasure which is very important to me.”
The tennis world was put on hold from March to August 2020 due to the pandemic, with tournaments resuming without spectators in attendance. Monfils reflected on how his wife’s unwavering support also played a crucial role during a foot injury he suffered in 2022, a moment when he contemplated quitting once again.
Despite facing personal challenges, including becoming a father and dealing with family issues, Elina Svitolina’s encouragement and belief in him propelled Monfils to set his sights on qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Monfils expressed his gratitude, stating, “My wife literally saved me. She reignited that fire in me. You know, sometimes it’s burning bright, sometimes it’s barely a flame, and she brought it back. Thank you, Elina.”
In October 2022, the couple welcomed their first child, Skaï, marking a new chapter in their lives. The revelation of Monfils’ struggles and triumphs behind the scenes sheds light on the resilience and unwavering support that have been instrumental in his continued success on the tennis court.
This remarkable journey of perseverance and triumph serves as a testament to the power of love, determination, and unwavering support in the face of adversity.