Following an injury- and loss-plagued year in 2022, former world No. 6 Gael Monfils worked his way back to the top of the rankings over the course of the year, showing that his time in tennis is far from over.
On Monday, as he competed in the final of the Stockholm Open, his No. 1 supporter, his wife and No. 25-ranked tennis player Elina Svitolina, was present in the stands. And, as he clinched his twelfth career title, the couple shared a sweet moment on the court, with Monfils kissing his wife in front of the spectators.
Gael Monfils kisses Elina Svitolina after winning his 1st title as a dad.
Proud wife right here. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/fDJVwZZ45Y
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 22, 2023
At the conclusion of the Stockholm Open final against Pavel Kotov, Frenchman Gael Monfils achieved a remarkable feat, beating his foe 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-3 and becoming the oldest and least-ranked player ever to win the tournament. His victory was even more special due to the fact that it was his first tournament title since he had become a father.
At the award ceremony, Monfils thanked his mother, wife, and daughter as well as his good friend Michael Llorda, a former accomplished French tennis player.
“Special week for me with 3 ladies. My mom, thank you. As always it’s nice to win a title in front of her. My wife Elina. Thank you. The last one my daughter Skaï who’s watching in front of the TV. It’s my first time as a father I’ve won a title. It’s very special.”
Son, Husband, Father @Gael_Monfils ❤️#bnpparibasnordicopen pic.twitter.com/mZOCZk2HNW
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 22, 2023
“The funny thing is it’s my 12th title. 12 years later I won here. I guess 12 is my lucky number so.. crazy. Short story but long story. I’d like to thank Michael. Before Roland Garros, I told him I need is help again. He’s like really? I’m like ‘yes.’ He said ‘I watched your match. It was terrible. Tomorrow we’ll practice together.’” 😂
Gael Monfils after becoming oldest Stockholm Champion ever
“The funny thing is it’s my 12th title. 12 years later I won here. I guess 12 is my lucky number so.. crazy. Short story but long story. I’d like to thank Michael. Before Roland Garros, I told him I need is help again.… pic.twitter.com/8zmKSA1rfq
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 22, 2023
Earlier in the year, Elina, his wife, secured her first title as a mother in Strasbourg, quickly climbing to the 25th spot in the world rankings. Monfils, on the other hand, with his recent win in Stockholm, is set to make a significant ranking leap, rejoining the Top 100.
Gael and Elina through thick and thin
In April 2021, Gael and Elina shared their engagement news, and just three months later, they celebrated their wedding. Their relationship has consistently been a wellspring of mutual strength and support, offering solace through challenging moments and beyond.
Elina stated in an article for Olympics.com that Gael had been her constant source of support.
“He has been there every step of the way. He is a huge support for me. Obviously, he’s seeing me every single day, not in the best moods. There have been ups and downs, so I’m really thankful for the support that he’s been giving me. I know that it’s also tough for him to see me in a bad mood, being sad. And I understand that sometimes can be tough for him, but I really appreciate his love and all the support that he’s been giving me.”
Likewise, when Gael suffered a tremendous setback in his career last year when he sustained an injury and experienced a significant drop in rankings, Elina stood by his side. The two now have a daughter named Skai, who celebrated her first birthday on October 15.
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