Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils recently celebrated their daughter Skai’s 2nd birthday with smiles and love. The couple, who are both active on the ATP and WTA tours, tied the knot in July 2021. However, Svitolina took a break from tennis in March 2022 due to health concerns and the emotional toll of the war in her native Ukraine. In May of the same year, she announced her pregnancy and welcomed Skai into the world in October.
Five months later, in April 2023, Svitolina made a remarkable comeback to the tour, following in the footsteps of other female tennis greats like Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters who returned to the WTA Tour after giving birth. Despite a foot injury that required surgery and ruled her out for the 2024 season, Svitolina showed resilience and determination throughout the year.
One of Svitolina’s standout performances in 2024 was reaching the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland, where she faced off against Coco Gauff. Despite facing challenges with form, Svitolina managed to make strong showings at Grand Slam events, reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, the fourth round at the Australian Open and the French Open, and the third round at the US Open.
In a heartwarming birthday tribute to Skai, Svitolina shared a picture of the family on social media, with Monfils holding their daughter close. The couple has chosen not to reveal Skai’s face publicly, respecting their daughter’s privacy. Svitolina, wearing an orthopedic boot on her right leg due to her injury, expressed her joy and love for Skai in the caption.
Despite their demanding careers, Svitolina and Monfils have found a way to balance parenting with their hectic travel schedules. While competing at the French Open, Svitolina spoke about the challenges of being away from Skai but mentioned that their daughter’s grandmothers play a crucial role in caring for her in their absence. The couple makes family decisions based on Skai’s well-being and their own feelings, ensuring a harmonious balance between work and family life.
As the ATP season draws to a close, reports suggest that Monfils will be competing at the ATP Vienna, following his impressive fourth-round finish at the Shanghai Masters. The couple’s dedication to their careers and family life exemplifies their commitment to each other and their daughter, Skai.
In conclusion, Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils continue to inspire fans with their love story, resilience, and dedication to both their professional careers and their role as parents. Their journey as a family is a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and unity in the face of challenges.
