Tennis star Svitolina says emotional toll of Ukraine war led to Monfils separation
Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has announced her separation from husband Gaël Monfils, citing the severe emotional toll of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Svitolina emphasized that the conflict has caused internal struggles that she needs to address independently.
Why it matters
It illustrates the profound personal and psychological impact of the Ukraine-Russia war on public figures and their families.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Monfils and Svitolina played in the mixed doubles together at this year's US Open and reached the semi-finals
Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has announced the end of her marriage with French former tennis player Gaël Monfils, citing the emotional impact of the war in her country.
The 32-year-old, who is ranked number six in the world, wrote in a heartfelt post on Instagram about the effect the conflict and "what the war has done to me inside".
"This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to share," she wrote, saying "I need to find my way back to myself". Svitolina said she felt she could not do that within her marriage.
She said her husband Monfils, 40, "listened" and "respected what I need with a strength and grace I will never forget".
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