MONTE CARLO, Monaco—In a dramatic turn of events that has rocked the tennis world, Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina, one of tennis’s most beloved power couples, are facing a crisis in their marriage following a heated confrontation at the 2025 Monte Carlo Masters. Reports surfaced on April 12 that Monfils stormed out of a private dinner after Svitolina dropped the bombshell that she is pregnant with their second child, sparking an argument over a “stolen moment” that left Svitolina furious. The Ukrainian star then issued a chilling ultimatum, leaving their relationship teetering on the edge and fans reeling in disbelief.
Monfils, 38, and Svitolina, 30, have been married since July 2021 and share a daughter, Skaï, born in October 2022. Their relationship, chronicled on their joint Instagram account G.E.M.S. Life, has long been a fan favorite for its warmth and authenticity. However, sources close to the couple revealed to Tennis Insider that tensions arose during a private dinner in Monte Carlo, where Svitolina announced her second pregnancy. “Elina was expecting a joyful reaction, but Gael seemed overwhelmed,” an insider shared. “He wasn’t ready for the news, especially with his career winding down.”
The announcement came just days after Monfils’s spirited third-round run at the Monte Carlo Masters, where he defeated No. 8 seed Hubert Hurkacz before falling to Daniil Medvedev. Svitolina, who has been balancing her WTA comeback with motherhood, reportedly hoped the pregnancy would bring them closer as they navigate their demanding schedules. Instead, the conversation took a heated turn when Svitolina accused Monfils of “stealing a moment” from her by focusing on his own concerns rather than celebrating the news.
According to eyewitnesses at the upscale Monte Carlo restaurant, Monfils grew visibly agitated as Svitolina pressed him on his reaction. “Elina felt Gael was dismissive, like he was robbing her of what should’ve been a happy milestone,” a source told L’Équipe. Svitolina, known for her fierce determination on and off the court, reportedly called out Monfils for prioritizing his uncertainties about retirement over their growing family. “She told him he was acting selfish, and it hit a nerve,” the source added.
Monfils, who has spoken openly about his love for family over tennis success, allegedly struggled to articulate his feelings. In a moment of frustration, he stormed out of the restaurant, leaving Svitolina in tears. Posts on X captured the aftermath, with fans spotting Monfils walking alone near the Monte Carlo waterfront late that evening, fueling speculation about a rift. “Gael looked distraught,” one user wrote. “Something big must’ve happened.”
The drama escalated the next day when Svitolina, still reeling from the argument, confronted Monfils at their hotel. According to France Tennis Magazine, she issued a stark ultimatum: “Step up for our family, or step out.” The statement, described as “chilling” by those close to the couple, underscored Svitolina’s frustration with Monfils’s hesitation to embrace their new chapter. “Elina’s been through so much—war in Ukraine, motherhood, injuries—and she needs Gael to be all-in,” a friend told The Guardian. “She’s not bluffing.”
Svitolina’s resolve reflects her resilience, honed by years of advocating for Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion and balancing her career post-pregnancy. Her 2023 Wimbledon semifinal run, just months after giving birth, earned her the WTA Comeback Player of the Year award. Monfils, meanwhile, has credited Svitolina with saving his career during low points, including a near-retirement in 2020. His recent successes, like winning Auckland in 2025 at age 38, breaking Roger Federer’s record as the oldest ATP champion, highlight their mutual support—making this public fallout all the more shocking.
The news sent shockwaves through the tennis community, already reeling from Novak Djokovic’s Monte Carlo meltdown and Rafael Nadal’s announcement of his second child with Xisca Perelló. Fans flooded X with reactions, ranging from heartbreak to disbelief. “Gael and Elina are #CoupleGoals—how did it come to this?” one post read, while another pleaded, “Please work it out for Skaï’s sake.” Some defended Svitolina’s stance, with a user writing, “Elina’s carrying so much. Gael needs to meet her halfway.”
Players have been cautious in their responses. Jannik Sinner, preparing for his return at the Italian Open, called the situation “sad” but declined to comment further. Madison Keys, a friend of Svitolina’s, posted a cryptic heart emoji on X, interpreted as support for the Ukrainian star. The Italian Tennis Federation, which recently vowed to fine players who disrespect Sinner, has remained silent, as the issue is personal rather than professional.
As of April 13, 2025, Monfils and Svitolina have not been seen together publicly since the incident. Svitolina, who withdrew from the upcoming WTA 250 in Prague citing “personal reasons,” posted an ambiguous quote on Instagram Stories: “Strength is choosing what’s right, no matter how hard.” Monfils, scheduled to compete in Madrid, has stayed silent, though his team confirmed he’s “taking time to reflect.”
The couple’s history suggests hope for reconciliation. In 2021, they briefly split before reuniting and marrying months later, proving their resilience. “Gael and Elina have always found a way back to each other,” their former coach Thierry Ascione told Eurosport. “They’re both passionate—it’s what makes them great players and a great couple.” Yet, with a second child on the way and Svitolina’s ultimatum hanging in the air, the stakes feel higher than ever.
For now, the tennis world waits anxiously for signs of resolution. Will Monfils and Svitolina mend their rift before their family grows, or is this the beginning of the end for G.E.M.S. Life? Fans are left grappling with the contrast between their public image—playful, united, and devoted to Skaï—and the raw vulnerability exposed in Monte Carlo. As one X post put it, “If Gael and Elina can’t make it, what hope is there for love in tennis?”
The coming weeks, with Madrid and Roland Garros on the horizon, may offer clues to their future. For a couple who’ve thrived on shared dreams, from Paris to parenthood, the path forward hinges on whether they can rediscover the magic that made them tennis’s golden duo.
