Elina Svitolina, globally renowned tennis star, has recently revealed the anxiety her husband Gael Monfils experiences every time she travels back to her native Ukraine. The couple, who share a child together, have been married for four years. Svitolina, currently ranked 23rd in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), has decided to keep her husband and daughter away from her homeland visits due to the ongoing conflict situation.
It’s not just a visit for Svitolina; she has been vocal about the significance of these trips. Her dedication to her home country is evident in her charitable actions, having mobilized over a million euros in donations to assist Ukraine in its war efforts. She’s also actively engaged in keeping her homeland’s struggle in the global spotlight.
Svitolina’s commitment extends beyond monetary contributions. She serves as an ambassador for United24, a government initiative that gathers funds to assist Ukraine. Despite her demanding tennis career, which necessitates worldwide travel, she makes it a point to visit Ukraine as often as feasible, putting a spotlight on her homeland through her widely-followed social media accounts.
During her recent off-season visit to Kharkiv, Svitolina underwent training to operate a rocket launcher at the Charter combat brigade’s base. This visit, like many others, sheds light on the more challenging aspects of her trips back home.
The 30-year-old tennis star is acutely aware of the emotional toll these visits take on her French tennis player husband, Monfils. Svitolina shared the heart-wrenching goodbyes that precede her departures, revealing Monfils’ deep-seated fears for her safety. “Gael gets very nervous before trips. Of course he is afraid for me, for the family. But I try to talk to him and explain the situation to him,” Svitolina shared with Bild.
She further elaborated on the significance of her role as an international voice for Ukraine, stating, “I am one of the voices of Ukraine around the world. This is my mission.” Despite the inherent risks, Svitolina is determined to continue her visits and raise awareness, buoyed by the understanding and support of her husband.
Monfils, despite his fears, has been an unconditional pillar of support for his wife. Svitolina commended her husband for his understanding and active involvement in her fundraising initiatives. The emotional farewells to her husband and daughter are mitigated by the knowledge that her mission is critical. She added, “But I think he understands that it is very important to me. He is very close to me. My family still lives in Odessa. I have many close friends who are at the front right now.”
Svitolina’s deep-rooted connection to her homeland is evident not only in her words but also in her actions. Her gratitude towards Monfils for his unwavering support underlines the couple’s strength in navigating these challenging times. Svitolina concluded, “This is all like a big family to me too. I am very grateful to Gael for supporting me. I know it is very difficult. I am not sure that many husbands would understand this.”
