Elina Svitolina has reflected on Gaël Monfils’ tennis career, noting his final Roland Garros appearance as a special moment.
Monfils’ Magic on the Court
Svitolina describes Monfils as one of the greatest shot-makers. While others might have been more consistent, Monfils possessed something unique. She believes Monfils could make people feel something with a single shot. She likens it to a perfect song or line in a movie, creating a sense of awe.
Svitolina suggests that watching Monfils play transcends typical sports competition. She sees moments where it becomes something deeper, almost magical. She said his creativity, speed, intelligence and coordination made it seem like he was putting on a magic show.
How They Met
Svitolina recalls knowing who Monfils was from watching him on TV when she was a young player in Ukraine. She remembers seeing racquets with his picture on them at her tennis centre. She admits that if someone had told her then that she would marry “the guy on the Prince cardboard” she wouldn’t have believed them.
Svitolina eventually became a professional player and met Monfils in 2017 in New York. They were introduced by a mutual friend on a practice court in Central Park. Svitolina says she was very shy at the time, so it was just a hello.
A Letter to Her Daughter
Svitolina addresses her letter to her three-year-old daughter. She hopes that one day her daughter will read the letter and understand why her dad means so much to so many people. She wants her to understand his career and his final Roland Garros appearance.
Svitolina wants her daughter to understand that sometimes, tennis is about more than just tennis.
Svitolina also remembers their first date, hinting there is a story there.