Former US Open semifinalist Gael Monfils has hit out at the 'venomous' criticism his wife, Elina Svitolina, has faced after she announced their marriage was ending

Former US Open star Gael Monfils has hit back at the harsh backlash his wife, Elina Svitolina, has endured after announcing that their marriage has ended.

On Monday, Svitolina shared what she described as the "most difficult thing" she's ever had to reveal in an emotional statement. The pair, who reached the US Open mixed doubles semifinals in August, had been together for more than five years, having begun their romance in 2019. Svitolina and Monfils are parents to their daughter, Skai, born in 2022.

They were regarded as one of tennis' premier couples and notably clinched singles titles at the same event in back-to-back years, with Svitolina capturing the 2026 ASB Classic women's title in Auckland, New Zealand, following Monfils' men's victory the year prior.

Svitolina disclosed their separation while explaining how her mental health battles stemming from the conflict in Ukraine have taken a toll on their relationship. This has led to the dissolution of their marriage, although they remain committed to co-parenting their daughter.

Following the revelation, Svitolina has been subjected to intense scrutiny from fans and the broader public. Yet, she has also received backing from others.

Now, Monfils, who reached the semifinals of the men's singles at the 2016 US Open, has spoken out in his first public response since the announcement broke. The French player has condemned the criticism as "unkind" and "venomous," urging people to show respect for both of them.

Taking to Instagram, Monfils shared his heartfelt thoughts: "Over the years, Elina and I have taken great joy in sharing our story and our family with you all. We have also always shared our struggles as individuals. For me, a series of injuries and self-doubt that challenged me in new ways. For Elina, the destruction and suffering that have torn her country apart.

"Now, we are separating. And just as before, this is a struggle that we have decided, together, to share with the public. As anyone who has experienced the end of a relationship knows, it is not an easy thing to talk about.

"A separation is a minefield of messy, complicated feelings that Elina and I are both trying our best to navigate, and we are doing so with the great respect and love that we still, and will always, hold for each other.

"Even though she did not owe anyone an explanation, Elina chose to speak vulnerably and truthfully about her reasons for this decision. She did so in the best way she knew how. Many decided that her explanation wasn't perfect enough, and Elina has now faced a kind of criticism that I have found unkind at best, and venomous at worst.

"Elina and I may no longer be a couple, but we are still a family. Though my heart hurts, I am forever grateful to her for her support and love over the years. When I was ready to quit tennis, she gave me the encouragement I needed to continue. And she is the person behind some of my life's greatest victories: our daughter, Skaï being the greatest of all.

"While I am deeply grateful that the public feels so invested in my happiness, I have found the lack of grace and kindness shown towards Elina upsetting. While some may not understand her reasons, or agree with them, please remember that there is so much more that happens in a relationship behind the curtain that cannot be explained in a post.

"Elina has her battles to fight, just as I have mine. I respect her choices and reasons, and we will continue to support and care deeply about each other, especially as two people who share a child.

"As we move through this new chapter, I would ask everyone to remember that we are all just human beings: not Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina, but Gael and Elina. Imperfect, but trying our best."