An endearing off-court interview recently provided a glimpse into the private life of the much-adored tennis power couple, Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina. During this lighthearted exchange, the pair spilled the beans on who made the first move and who declared their love first.
Monfils and Svitolina, who began dating in 2019, announced their engagement two years later and walked down the aisle on July 16, 2021. In May of the following year, the couple delightedly shared the news of their first pregnancy. The family expanded in October 2022 with the arrival of their baby girl, Skai.
Monfils, a former world No 6, has been candid about his priorities, admitting that his dreams extend beyond the tennis court. Earlier this year, the 38-year-old was asked if he aspires to win the Australian Open. In response, Monfils confessed, “Win? No! To be honest with you, it’s not even a dream to win the tournament. My dream is to be old with a lot of kids and to be healthy.” He emphasized that his ultimate dream is to have a wonderful family.
The love story of this popular couple seemingly sparked off with a text message, although it remains a mystery who initiated the conversation. However, during the interview, Monfils humorously took the responsibility. When asked who made the first move, the couple shared this amusing dialogue:
Monfils: “It’s tricky, this one because I think I said I love you first. But the first move is a little bit tricky to be honest because it’s about who sent the first text.”
Svitolina: “I didn’t send you any text (both laughing). What are you talking about. You text me in New York, you text me in Beijing. And in Paris.”
Monfils: “Not the first text.”
Svitolina: “But the first text exactly.”
Monfils: “Not the first text. Like, you know in a way that … Hey what’s up? (both laughing). So first of all, I never text you in New York.”
Svitolina: “You text me the picture.”
Monfils: “I didn’t text you the picture in New York, I didn’t.”
Svitolina: “But it was not me, 100%.”
Monfils concluded the playful debate by accepting the ‘blame’, advising men to never disagree with their wives and to pick their battles wisely for a happy life.
This dynamic duo has seen a resurgence in their tennis careers in recent years. Monfils made history by becoming the oldest ATP Tour (since 1990) title champion with his victory at the Auckland Open in 2025. Svitolina, meanwhile, has reached one Grand Slam semi-final and three quarter-finals after her return from maternity leave.
In a May 2024 interview, Svitolina shed light on the couple’s strong bond. She credited their understanding of each other’s personalities and their mutual support in challenging times for their successful relationship. Whether it’s allowing Monfils to play video games to vent his frustrations or knowing how to comfort Svitolina after losses, this power couple has found their perfect match in each other.
Their story is a testament to their love, resilience, and the strength of their partnership, both on and off the court. As such, Monfils and Svitolina continue to inspire and warm the hearts of their many fans around the world.
