Andy Roddick has lashed out at the public backlash surrounding Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils’ divorce, calling the persistent criticism directed at the former couple “ridiculous” as both players navigate a turbulent end to their respective seasons.
The separation, announced by Svitolina, brought an end to a marriage that began in 2021 after the pair met in 2018. The split coincided with Monfils removing himself from the International Tennis Integrity Agency anti-doping testing pool and confirming his retirement from professional tennis.
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- Svitolina remains active on the WTA Tour, having secured qualification for the year-end WTA Finals, joining top players Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka, Mirra Andreeva, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff and Linda Noskova, for the first time since 2019 despite ongoing personal challenges.
- Monfils cancelled remaining tournament commitments, bringing his final competitive match to the US Open straight-sets defeat against Learner Tien.
- A farewell tribute for Monfils is scheduled for November 3 at the Paris Masters.
Roddick Defends the Couple Against Online Backlash
Speaking on his Served podcast, Roddick addressed the unrelenting public commentary directed at Svitolina and Monfils following their separation announcement. The 2003 US Open champion argued that the former couple deserved space to manage their lives without outside interference.
9 seed Elina Svitolina goes out in the third round of the 2026 US Open to Anna Kalinskaya in 3 sets 6-3, 2-6, 3-6.Link in bio to subscribe to daily US Open updates. 🔗 pic.twitter.com/ITWihPlaVw
“The fact that they’re still having to address it based on other people’s feedback is ridiculous,” Roddick said on the podcast. “Let them live. Let them make their decisions because they’re adults. Let them get through it. They don’t need input. Let them be. Let them figure their stuff out.”
Svitolina faced criticism on social media over the reasons she provided for ending the marriage. Monfils subsequently stepped forward to condemn the hostility directed at his former partner.
Monfils Details the Emotional Toll of Retirement and Divorce
Monfils opened up about the severe emotional and physical toll of the separation. The Frenchman admitted that the breakup directly influenced his decision to end his career earlier than originally intended.
The 40-year-old explained Monday his divorce from Svitolina “really hurt me.””This separation didn’t leave me unaffected,” he said.
“We’re human, we have our own problems, and we don’t necessarily control what we want,” he said during a Twitch stream on Tuesday, via Gala.
Monfils confessed that the emotional strain severely impacted his daily routine and training capacity. The former World No. 6 admitted to eating less and struggling to maintain his athletic standards. “When something like that happens, I can’t train the way I want to. I’m not in the best frame of mind,” Monfils explained.
Despite the personal difficulties, Monfils used his platform to defend Svitolina against online detractors. “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,” he shared. Both athletes have emphasized their ongoing commitment to co-parenting their four-year-old daughter, Skai.
Svitolina Focuses on WTA Tour Return Amid Personal Turmoil
While Monfils prepares for his retirement tribute in Paris, Svitolina continues her campaign on the professional tour. Her season featured notable performances, including winning the Rome Open and reaching the final at a WTA 1000 event in Dubai, leading to her qualification for the elite WTA Finals.
Svitolina initially cited the psychological impact of Ukraine’s ongoing war as a contributing factor in her personal stability, later adding in subsequent statements that she needed to find herself outside of the marriage. The Australian Open semifinalist said that “there is no one to blame here,” and Monfils remained by her side to provide support.” Gaël has loved me through my greatest joys and my darkest moments, and I have loved him with all my heart,” she wrote. “Together, we built a beautiful life, and we were given the most precious gift of all, our daughter, Skai.” As Svitolina prepares for upcoming matches, both players remain focused on supporting their daughter through the transition.
| Player | Recent Status | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Elina Svitolina | Active Tour Player | Qualified for WTA Finals; Rome Open champion |
| Gael Monfils | Retired (ITIA pool exit) | Farewell tribute scheduled for November 3 at the Paris Masters |
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