
On July 16, 2025, French tennis star Gael Monfils marked his fourth wedding anniversary with Ukrainian tennis sensation Elina Svitolina, sharing a deeply emotional tribute that resonated with fans worldwide. The couple, affectionately dubbed “Monfilsina” by their devoted followers, has become one of tennis’s most beloved power couples since tying the knot in 2021. Monfils’ touching Instagram post, accompanied by a cozy family photo featuring their two-year-old daughter, Skaï, offered a rare glimpse into their life beyond the court, highlighting a love story that has flourished through the highs and lows of professional tennis and parenthood. As they prepare for the North American hardcourt season leading to the US Open, their enduring bond continues to inspire.
Monfils, 38, and Svitolina, 30, first crossed paths on the global tennis circuit but didn’t connect romantically until 2018, when Monfils reached out after spotting Svitolina’s Instagram post from Paris. “I posted a photo on Instagram and Gael texted me,” Svitolina recalled in an interview, noting the serendipity of their meeting in the City of Love. Their relationship blossomed quickly, leading to a public announcement in 2019 via their joint Instagram account, G.E.M.S. Life (standing for Gael, Elina, Monfils, Svitolina). After a brief separation in early 2021, they reunited, got engaged in April, and married in a stunning Geneva ceremony on July 16, 2021, wearing custom lavender-themed Off-White outfits designed by the late Virgil Abloh. “Best day of my life,” Svitolina captioned her wedding post, a sentiment echoed by Monfils’ “Supergirl and Black Panther” tribute.
The couple’s journey took a joyful turn with the birth of their daughter, Skaï, in October 2022. Monfils’ anniversary post on July 16, 2025, captured the essence of their family life, showing the trio cuddled together. “Four years ago, we got married. Since that day, we’ve been building a life full of love, laughter, and beautiful memories,” he wrote, reflecting on their shared journey. “Today, I look at this photo… and I realize I have everything. Seeing you both is my greatest victory. Thank you for being there, thank you for being you. I love you both more than anything.” The post, which went viral, struck a chord with fans, who flooded social media with comments like, “This is what true love looks like!” and “Monfilsina forever!”
Their bond extends beyond personal milestones to their professional lives, where they’ve been each other’s biggest supporters. At Wimbledon 2025, Svitolina trained Monfils on court before his first-round match, a five-set thriller against Márton Fucsovics, which he lost 6-4, 1-6, 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4. Svitolina, ranked world No. 14, reached the third round before falling to Elise Mertens. Their mutual support was evident at the Australian Open 2025, where Monfils upset fourth seed Taylor Fritz, and Svitolina defeated Jasmine Paolini, with Monfils cheering from her coaching box. “I warmed up the court for her,” he joked after his win, rushing back to watch his wife’s match. Svitolina’s post-maternity comeback has been remarkable, with an 18th career title at the 2025 Open de Rouen and a 32-11 record this season, while Monfils, ranked No. 49, continues to defy age with an 18-11 record.
Monfils has been open about how Svitolina’s strength has shaped him. During a 2024 press conference, he marveled at her resilience as a mother and athlete: “She’s a great mother first. That’s first. People want to put tennis first but I think she’s a great mother first… I’m surprised how well she came back, how strong she is mentally and physically. It’s just amazing.” He credited her with saving his career during the COVID-19 pandemic, when empty stadiums nearly pushed him to retire. “If I hadn’t met Elina, I would’ve retired already… no doubt,” he told Gilles Simon in a YouTube chat, explaining how her encouragement reignited his passion. Svitolina, in turn, has praised Monfils’ support, especially amid the emotional toll of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “He’s been there through everything,” she said, noting their shared strength.
Their family life, centered around Skaï, is kept private, with the couple shielding her face on social media. “She’s with Gael right now at home. I was FaceTiming with her… She was really distracted with her ice cream,” Svitolina laughed after her 2023 Wimbledon win over Iga Swiatek, highlighting their efforts to balance parenthood with their careers. Monfils has hinted at retiring soon, telling French media in 2024, “It’s too hard to be so far away from my daughter… Seven weeks without seeing her is too difficult.” Yet, he remains committed to competing, driven by family and Svitolina’s example.
As they approach the US Open, Monfils and Svitolina’s love story continues to captivate. “My dream is to be old with a lot of kids and healthy,” Monfils said at the Australian Open, prioritizing family over trophies. Their journey, from a chance Instagram message to a lavender-themed wedding and now parenthood, transcends tennis, reminding fans that, as Monfils put it, “Tennis is part of my life, but tennis is not my life.” With their unwavering support for each other, “Monfilsina” remains a beacon of love and resilience, on and off the court.
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