In the world of tennis, few partnerships can match the charisma and camaraderie of Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina. Their relationship, which kicked off in 2019 and led to their marriage in 2021, has been the epitome of a power couple, both on and off the court. Today, they juggle their professional commitments with their newfound joys of parenthood, having welcomed their daughter Skai in October 2022.
Their competitive spirit and dedication to their sports careers haven’t hampered their playful interactions. Those who were tuned into the Australian Open may recall Monfils’ light-hearted jest about ‘warming up the court’ following his Round 3 victory against Taylor Fritz, right before Svitolina’s match against Jasmine Paolini. Such glimpses of their affectionate rapport have endeared them to fans globally.
Presently, the duo is basking in the Californian sun at Indian Wells, gearing up for their subsequent matches. Monfils is set to lock horns with Sebastian Korda in the second round on March 9, after successfully defeating Jan-Lennard Struff. On the other hand, Svitolina, having received a bye to the second round, is geared up to take on Ashlyn Krueger.
Amidst their preparations, the couple found time to share a humorous video on the BNP Paribas Open’s Instagram channel. The video, which showcased the couple’s hilarious banter over who takes longer to get ready in the morning, had the audience in splits. Svitolina teased Monfils for his dawdling morning routine, while Monfils jokingly defended himself, promising to reveal the truth in his upcoming YouTube vlog.
The couple’s track record at Indian Wells has been mixed, with Monfils reaching the quarterfinals in 2016 and 2019, but yet to clinch a title. Svitolina has also been quite successful, having reached the semifinals in 2019. Both athletes are eager to improve their records this year, with Monfils already off to a good start, having won his first-round match against Struff.
The couple’s journey isn’t just about their sports careers; it’s also a tale of balancing personal life with professional commitments. Since their daughter Skai’s birth, they have been managing their family responsibilities alongside their sports careers. Svitolina, in particular, returned to training just three months after Skai’s birth, a testament to her unwavering determination.
During a chat on Macpaw’s Instagram, Svitolina revealed her strategy for managing her busy schedule, attributing it to meticulous planning and the use of modern technology. Monfils, on the other hand, shared how fatherhood has reshaped his priorities, stating that his dream is to have an ‘unbelievable family’.
As they gear up for their upcoming matches in the Sunshine Double, their fans are eagerly waiting to see what the power couple has in store. Their love for the game and their family is a compelling story in itself. Can they strike a perfect balance between their personal lives and their professional ambitions? Only time will tell.