Elina Svitolina’s return to form on the tennis court reached an emotional high point at the Madrid Open this week, as she not only secured a stunning victory but also delivered a deeply moving message about her husband, fellow tennis star Gaël Monfils.

The Ukrainian player, who has been on a powerful comeback trail after maternity leave, broke down in tears during her post-match interview. Her win was not just another step in her journey back to the top of women’s tennis — it was made all the more poignant by the quiet but powerful presence of her husband in the stands, who was battling a serious illness.

Victory in Madrid, With Heavy Emotions

Svitolina defeated her opponent in straight sets, showing off the fierce determination and tactical brilliance that once took her to the top five in the WTA rankings. The crowd at the Caja Mágica erupted in cheers as she raised her arms in triumph — but it wasn’t just the victory that made headlines.

As she walked toward the stands to greet her team, the cameras caught a teary Elina locking eyes with Monfils, who had made a surprise appearance to support her despite being unwell. Fans had been informed earlier that Monfils had withdrawn from his own match at the tournament due to an undisclosed but reportedly serious illness.

“He Shouldn’t Have Been Here, But He Came”

Speaking through tears during her on-court interview, Svitolina opened up about the emotional toll the past few days had taken on her.

“This is a wonderful moment, but also a heavy one,” she said, her voice breaking. “Gaël has been so sick. He had to pull out of his match, and he’s been in and out of the hospital. He didn’t have to come today… but he did. I saw him in the crowd, and it gave me strength.”

The crowd responded with a standing ovation, moved by the raw honesty and vulnerability from the usually composed player.

Svitolina continued, “He’s always been my biggest supporter. Even when he can barely stand, he shows up for me. That’s love. That’s commitment.”

The Tennis Couple’s Shared Journey

Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils have long been one of tennis’s most beloved couples. They married in July 2021 and welcomed their first child, a daughter named Skai, in 2022. Since then, both have spoken openly about the challenges of balancing professional tennis careers with family life.

Their careers have also mirrored each other’s ups and downs — from injuries and form slumps to emotional highs like this one. The moment at the Madrid Open felt like the culmination of not just a sporting achievement, but a deeply personal triumph for the couple.

Support From the Tennis World

Tributes and support flooded in from across the tennis world. Fellow players, commentators, and fans took to social media to share their admiration for the couple’s resilience and love.

Billie Jean King wrote on X: “What a powerful display of strength and emotion from Elina Svitolina. Wishing Gaël a swift recovery. Love like theirs lifts the whole sport.”

Looking Ahead

Svitolina said she hopes the victory will inspire others going through difficult times.

“Life throws things at you that you can’t control. But when you have love, support, and purpose, you keep fighting. That’s what I did today.”

As she looks ahead to the remainder of the clay season, including the upcoming Italian Open and Roland-Garros, Svitolina will carry not just her racquet and training, but the quiet strength of a husband who stood by her — quite literally — even when the odds were against him.

This wasn’t just a win for Svitolina. It was a reminder that in tennis, as in life, the greatest victories are the ones we share.