Monfils defends Svitolina after 'venomous' criticism

French tennis player Gael Monfils has publicly defended his estranged wife Elina Svitolina, describing criticism directed at her following their separation announcement as 'venomous' and 'upsetting'. The couple, who married in 2021, are ending their marriage, with Monfils speaking out on October 24, 2026, in response to what he characterized as unfair public attacks on Svitolina. The statement was reported by BBC Sport journalist Mandeep Sanghera.