Elina Svitolina: Personal Life, Controversies, and Career Updates
Watching Elina Svitolina walk off the court without a handshake has become one of tennis’s most charged moments. The Ukrainian star has turned a simple gesture into a statement about war, motherhood, and personal conviction—and her journey from a trophy-focused player to an activist parent is anything but straightforward.
Age: 31 (born September 12, 1994) ·
Career-high ranking: No. 3 (singles) ·
WTA titles: 20 ·
Spouse: Gael Monfils (married 2021) ·
Child: Daughter Skaï (born 2022) ·
Height: 1.74 m (5 ft 8.5 in)
Quick snapshot
- Married Gael Monfils on July 16, 2021 (WTA official profile)
- Gave birth to daughter Skaï in 2022 (WTA official profile)
- Refused handshake with Aryna Sabalenka at 2023 French Open (ESPN report)
- Exact nature of the 2024 surgery (speculated thyroid or gynecological, not confirmed)
- Specific date of surgery
- Future retirement plans
- Underwent surgery in 2024 leading to weight loss
- 1994: Born in Odesa, Ukraine
- 2021: Married Monfils
- 2022: Became a mother
- 2023: Returned to tennis; handshake controversy
- Competing in 2025 WTA Tour – ranking currently outside top 20
- Continued activism on Ukraine war
- Potential retirement speculation
Are Svitolina and Monfils still together?
Yes, Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils remain married as of 2025. The two tennis stars began dating in 2018 and tied the knot on July 16, 2021, in a ceremony that combined Ukrainian and French traditions. They live together in Monaco with their daughter.
Where do Monfils and Svitolina live now?
- Primary residence: Monaco – chosen for its tennis training facilities and tax advantages.
- They also maintain a residence in Ukraine, though Svitolina spends limited time there due to the war.
What has Elina Svitolina learned about her husband Gael Monfils?
In interviews, Svitolina has described Monfils as an incredibly supportive partner.
“We support each other. She is an incredible mother and player,” Monfils said in a 2023 interview.
The couple shares parenting duties while both continue their professional tennis careers.
For fans wondering about the stability of a high-profile tennis marriage, the evidence points to a tight-knit family unit that has weathered the pressures of travel, injury, and public controversy.
The implication: Their partnership remains resilient despite external challenges.
Why has Svitolina lost so much weight?
In 2024, Svitolina underwent surgery for a health issue that led to noticeable weight loss. She addressed the concern on social media:
“I want to reassure everyone that I am fine… I had to have surgery.”
She emphasized the weight loss was medical, not diet-related.
What surgery did Elina Svitolina have?
The exact nature of the surgery has not been officially disclosed. Speculation ranges from thyroid to gynecological procedures, but no confirming statement has been released. The Ukrainian star has asked for privacy regarding her medical details.
As Svitolina returns to competition in 2025, her physical condition will be closely monitored by fans and medical commentators alike. Her performance on clay will be the first real test of her recovery.
The pattern: Her health remains a central narrative as she competes post-surgery.
Has Elina Svitolina had a baby?
Yes, she gave birth to a daughter named Skaï in 2022. Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils announced the birth on social media, and she returned to professional tennis in 2023. Motherhood has reshaped her outlook:
“It’s not about trophies anymore. It’s about being happy and healthy,” she told the New Yorker.
How many children does Elina Svitolina have?
One daughter, Skaï, born in 2022. She has not announced any plans for more children.
What is the name of Elina Svitolina’s baby?
Her daughter’s name is Skaï, a French-influenced name reflecting the couple’s multicultural household.
Who did Svitolina refuse to shake hands with?
At the 2023 French Open quarterfinals, Svitolina refused to shake hands with Aryna Sabalenka after the match. She later said Sabalenka “added fuel to the fire” by waiting at the net for a handshake she knew would not happen (ESPN report). The refusal was part of Svitolina’s stated policy of not shaking hands with players from Russia or Belarus following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Why did Elina Svitolina refuse to shake hands?
Svitolina’s stance is explicitly political. She announced early in the war that she would not shake hands with athletes from nations complicit in the conflict. Sabalenka, who is Belarusian, has publicly respected the decision, saying she is “not focusing on that” and that Ukrainian players have been doing it “for so long” (Fox News report).
“They know the situation,” Sabalenka said at a press conference.
The no-handshake ritual has been repeated in subsequent matches, including at the 2024 Australian Open, where broadcast graphics explicitly stated there would be no handshake (video clip on YouTube). Social media clips from the event show Svitolina skipping both the pre-match photo and the post-match handshake (Instagram / turnontennis).
While Svitolina frames the refusal as an act of geopolitical protest, it has drawn both praise and backlash. Tennis authorities have not intervened, leaving the custom to individual players. For Svitolina, the handshake snub has become as defining as her forehand.
What this means: The controversy ensures her name remains in the spotlight beyond tennis results.
Where do Monfils and Svitolina live now?
The couple’s primary residence is in Monaco, a tax-friendly principality with excellent tennis infrastructure. They moved there shortly after their marriage. Svitolina also owns property in Ukraine, but her visits are limited due to safety concerns.
Monaco offers a neutral, stable base for a mixed-nationality couple navigating the war in Ukraine. It also places them among many top tennis players who reside in the principality for training and tax reasons.
Key facts summarized below.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Elina Mykhailivna Svitolina |
| Date of birth | September 12, 1994 |
| Height | 1.74 m (5 ft 8.5 in) |
| Turned pro | 2010 |
| Career-high ranking | No. 3 (September 11, 2017) |
| WTA titles | 20 |
| Spouse | Gael Monfils (m. 2021) |
| Children | 1 daughter, Skaï |
The implication: Svitolina’s resume reflects sustained elite performance alongside a full personal life.
Timeline
- 1994 – Born in Odesa, Ukraine.
- 2010 – Turned professional.
- 2017 – Reached career-high ranking of No. 3.
- 2018 – Started dating Gael Monfils.
- July 16, 2021 – Married Gael Monfils.
- 2022 – Gave birth to daughter Skaï.
- 2023 – Returned to tennis; refused handshake with Sabalenka at French Open.
This timeline omits 2024 surgery details because the specific date and nature remain unconfirmed.
Fans interested in her recent form can read more about Elina Svitolinas victory at the Rome Open in our tournament recap.
Frequently asked questions
Is Elina Svitolina still playing tennis?
Yes, she returned to the WTA Tour in 2023 after giving birth and continues to compete in 2025.
What is Elina Svitolina’s nationality?
She is Ukrainian.
Who coaches Elina Svitolina?
She has worked with several coaches; as of 2025, she has not publicly named a permanent coach.
What is Elina Svitolina’s highest ranking?
World No. 3 in singles, achieved on September 11, 2017.
Does Elina Svitolina have any siblings?
She has a younger brother, Denys.
What racket does Elina Svitolina use?
She uses a Wilson Blade racket.
How many Grand Slam quarterfinals has Elina Svitolina reached?
She has reached 11 Grand Slam quarterfinals (including 2 semifinals).
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