Tennis stars Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils announce their union
According to WTAtennis.com, tennis powerhouses Svitolina, ranked fifth in the world, and Monfils, numero uno, have been together since they were 14.
The pair's wedding attire bore the inscription, "For all eternity," as showcased on their lifestyle Instagram account. Their joint account's initials combine their names: Gael Elina Monfils Svitolina.
Monfils quipped, "She said Mrs. Monfils," on Twitter, receiving congratulatory messages from several famed tennis personalities, including Caroline Wozniacki, Kim Clijsters, and Marcos Baghdatis.
The engagement announcement came after the duo announced a relationship pause in February, addressing the need for some "space." They shared this on their Instagram Stories, admitting the decision was challenging but necessary due to their lingering love for each other.
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"One must truly support each other"
Svitolina, born in Odessa, Ukraine, was previously vocal about how their relationship has positively influenced her tennis.
"I now communicate more openly with my trainers about tennis and my feelings," Svitolina, who lost to Ash Barty in the Miami Open's semifinals last week, said on the WTA-Website. "I've become more open towards my trainers and Gayle regarding tennis and my feelings. I think this has changed greatly in the past, I don't know, nine or ten months."
Svitolina, winner of 15 WTA titles and over $2 million in career earnings, added, "I love how he pushes me to get better, and I strive to make him a better person, a better tennis player. I think that should be the case; one must truly support each other and push to achieve better results."
However, like every relationship, they have experienced highs and lows, as Svitolina humorously pointed out in a Miami-posted video, stating, "Everyone thinks it's fun to date athletes," before noting, "we never stay home, are always hungry, tired, and suffer from mood swings."
Monfils laughed in agreement, "100% hahaha."
Monfils, born in Paris, has amassed 10 ATP tour titles and close to $20 million in career earnings.
"I admire what she does, her work ethic, and her mentality," Monfils said on WTAtennis.com in 2019. "It's unbelievable. But I always say: not for me, not for me. She's too serious for me. That's her way. That's how she got to where she is now. Striving to be better."
"I would say our only motivation is to make others proud," Monfils added. "I love it when she wins. I'm very proud of her. I think that applies to both of us."
"For me, personally, it's essential to follow my own path, and that's a normal thing. That's not different. I've invested a lot of hard work with the trainer, and I've worked hard myself to return. That's true, but she was a bit different. At the end, we tried to reach a peak in a different way, in a different culture." This is what I love about this relationship."
Further Reading
Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils are successful tennis professionals who have now tied the knot.
Previously, adversaries Kim Clijsters and Marcos Baghdatis had voiced skepticism toward their relationship as partners, along with their respective trainers.
Insights
Despite criticism and skepticism, the power couple, Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils, have managed to focus on their professional careers while maintaining a strong personal relationship. They have effectively mitigated public scrutiny and negative perceptions by balancing their careers and family life, engaging in humorous interactions on social media, and using their relationship as a tool for personal motivation and growth.
