Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils were all smiles as they celebrated their daughter Skai’s 2nd birthday. Monfils and Svitolina, both active on the ATP and WTA tours, married in July 2021.
Svitolina initially took a break from tennis in March 2022 due to health concerns and the emotional strain caused by the war in her home country, Ukraine. In May of the same year, she announced that she was expecting her first child, and in October, she gave birth to Skai.
Five months later, in April 2023, she returned to the tour, joining a list of female greats like Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Kim Clijsters, and others who returned to the WTA Tour after childbirth.
On Tuesday, Svitolina shared a picture of herself, her husband Monfils, and their daughter Skai, wishing Skai a happy birthday in the caption. In the photo, Monfils was holding Skai with her face turned away from the camera, consistent with the couple’s decision not to reveal her face publicly. Svitolina was also featured wearing an orthopedic boot on her right leg, due to the foot injury that required surgery and ruled her out for the 2024 season.
“Happy 2nd Birthday, Skaï ! Two years of giggles, hugs, and endless love. Watching you grow is our greatest adventure! “ Svitolina said
Throughout the 2024 season, Svitolina’s best performance came early on when she reached the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland, where she lost to Coco Gauff.
She struggled with form for the rest of the season but still managed strong showings at Grand Slams. Svitolina reached the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon Championships, the fourth round at both the Australian Open and the French Open, and the third round at the US Open.
Elina Svitolina shares how she and her husband Gael Monfils balance parenting Skai and traveling for their careers
At the French Open in May, Elina Svitolina opened up about how she and her husband Gael Monfils balance parenting Skai alongside their careers. She mentioned that Skai’s grandmothers help in taking care of her when they are away. However, Svitolina admitted the being away from their daughter was a tough adjustment for them.
“It is tough for us for sure to be apart from her, but I think it’s important that she has her routines at home. She has two grandmothers taking care of her. As soon as we’re done, we easily can go back. It’s a short flight and we’re there. We also try to balance it and see how she feels and how we feel, so it’s a family decision,”
With the season nearing its end and following his fourth-round finish at the Shanghai Masters, reports suggest that Gael Monfils will next compete at the ATP Vienna, which is scheduled to begin on October 21.
Edited by Tushhita Barua
