Looking for the perfect tennis couple? Look no further than Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina! This dynamic duo started dating in 2019 and has been going strong for seven years now. They tied the knot in 2021 and welcomed their daughter, Skai, in October 2022. Despite their hectic schedules as professional athletes, Monfils and Svitolina always make time to show their love for each other. Their playful banter adds a comical touch to their relationship. Remember during the Australian Open when Gael joked about “warming up the court” after his R3 win against Taylor Fritz, just before Elina competed against Jasmine Paolini? It’s these little moments that solidify them as a true power couple!
Currently, the couple is soaking up the sun at Indian Wells, preparing for their next matches. Monfils is set to face Sebastian Korda in the second round on March 9 after defeating Jan-Lennard Struff in the first round. Meanwhile, Svitolina received a bye to the second round and will soon take on Ashlyn Krueger. But before that, the couple are sharing some hilarious takes from their day-to-day life!
On Thursday, they stole the show with a hilarious video shared on the BNP Paribas Open’s Instagram. When asked who takes longer to get ready, Svitolina jokingly called out Monfils for always running late. She quipped that he takes “40 minutes to get up from the bed” and then rushes at the last minute. Monfils tried to defend himself, claiming he was quicker, but Svitolina wasn’t having it. She pointed out that while he might dress fast, his overall preparation takes ages: “One minute dressing up but then preparation is like forty minutes.” Their adorable banter had them both bursting into laughter!
Monfils even teased that he wakes up before Svitolina and jokingly challenged fans to check his next YouTube vlog to see who’s telling the truth. He quipped, “You’re going to see on my next vlog on YouTube, guys. Then you know who’s lying!” These lighthearted moments remind us why they’re one of tennis’ most beloved couples—their chemistry is undeniable both on and off the court!
It’s refreshing to see them unwind like this despite the competition ahead. Monfils has had a mixed history at Indian Wells, reaching the quarterfinals in both 2016 and 2019 but still searching for his first title there. Svitolina has also performed well, making it to the semifinals in 2019 before losing to Bianca Andreescu. Both players are eager to improve their records this year, with Monfils recently winning his first-round match against Struff in straight sets. How do they keep up the love and take care of a two-year-old amidst the hectic tour?
Elina opens up about balancing her personal life while on tour
Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils’ love story is as captivating as their on-court performances. Since they welcomed their adorable daughter, Skai, into the world, a new chapter in their lives has brought them immense joy and a fresh perspective on their careers. Despite the challenges of marriage and parenthood, they’ve managed to elevate their games while balancing family responsibilities. After announcing their pregnancy in May 2022, Skai was born in October of the same year. Just three months later, Svitolina was back in training, showcasing her determination to return to the top level of sports.
Back in January, during a conversation on Macpaw’s Instagram, she shared how she juggles her busy life: “It’s not easy, but we try to plan it. Having our daughter traveling sometimes with us takes a lot of preparation and a lot of planning. We do sometimes share a calendar as well as shared notes. These days, with all the gadgets, it’s so easy to do.” This organized approach, combined with the support of her husband, has been key to her success.
On the same lines, Monfils reflected on how fatherhood has shifted his priorities beyond just tennis success, saying his dream now is to have “an unbelievable family.” Svitolina, meanwhile, draws inspiration from fellow tennis mothers like Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, and Caroline Wozniacki. She emphasized the importance of connecting with other players who have navigated similar challenges: “I feel that women have many more options to do all this nowadays. We try to motivate women to come back and keep paving their way.”
Now as they head into the Sunshine Double to take on yet another challenge, it’s exciting to see what the pair have in store. But with their passion for the sport and love for their family, who’s to say they won’t excel? What are your thoughts on this?
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