Elina Svitolina advanced to the semifinals of the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, speaking openly about her recent separation from Gaël Monfils.
The Ukrainian player returned to the season-ending tournament after a seven-year absence, securing her place among the top eight players in the world. Speaking during Media Day at Indian Wells, Svitolina addressed the personal challenges accompanying her return to the tour, Punto de Break reported.
“I have a great relationship with Gael. Even like 10 minutes before the match, I had a talk with him, and we’re on good terms,” Svitolina told Punto de Break after her victory against Aryna Sabalenka.
"[I] have a great relationship with Gael. Even like 10 minutes before the match, I had a talk with him, and we're on good terms." Elina Svitolina opened up about her split with Gael Monfils and navigating social media negativity. pic.twitter.com/KVJ3p7sokr
The marriage split was announced in October, drawing intense media attention to the former world number six. Svitolina said that competing at the elite level does not shield players from external pressure.
"In this situation simply quieres estar lejos de los medios de comunicación y de las redes sociales," Svitolina said, describing the difficulty of dealing with negative online commentary.
ESPN Deportes reported that the 32-year-old discussed the emotional toll of living under a microscope. “He tenido un año complicado, con muchas cosas en mi cabeza. Vivir bajo el foco público tampoco es fácil, todo está ahí para que la gente lo juzgue o lo comente,” she told ESPN Deportes.
With their daughter Skai remaining the central priority for both athletes, Svitolina emphasized that communication with Monfils stays consistent despite their separation.
ESPN Deportes noted her perspective on daily contentment: “Probablemente no exista una vida completamente feliz para mí por las cosas que tengo que afrontar a diario, pero sí puedo crear momentos felices con las personas que me rodean. Eso es algo que puedo controlar.”
The tournament runs from November 8 through November 15, bringing the top players of the women’s circuit together for the final event of the season.
“Estoy muy orgullosa del esfuerzo que he hecho para regresar aquí después de tantos años y estar otra vez entre las ocho mejores jugadoras,” Svitolina told ESPN Deportes regarding her comeback.
The WTA Finals conclude on November 15.
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