Why is Elina Svitolina’s tennis star husband Gael Monfils staying away from Wimbledon this year despite her dream run to the semi-finals?
Elina Svitolina has enjoyed a remarkable Wimbledon tournament so far as she looks to win the title for the first time in her career.
The Ukrainian secured a major upset yesterday by defeating No 1 ranked Iga Swiatek to book her place in the semi-final.
Svitolina will face Marketa Vondrousova on Centre Court tomorrow as she looks to secure her place in the final. However, her biggest supporter will not be watching on from the stands.
Her husband, fellow tennis star Gael Monfils, will be watching Svitolina’s semi-final clash with Vondrousova at home.
Mail Sport breaks down why Gael Monfils is staying away from Wimbledon this year despite Elina Svitolina’s success so far.
Elina Svitolina is set to face Marketa Vondrousova on Centre Court in the Ladies’ Wimbledon semi-finals tomorrow
Svitolina’s husband, fellow tennis star Gael Monfils, will be watching the match from home
Why is Gael Monfils staying away from Wimbledon?
Gael Monfils did not attend Svitolina’s match against Swiatek as he remains at home looking after their daughter, Skai.
Svitolina missed last year’s tournament due to her pregnancy and only returned to action back in April, just six months after giving birth.
As well as looking after their daughter, Monfils is also recovering from an injury.
The 36-year-old withdrew from Wimbledon last month as he continues to deal with a wrist injury.
Monfils sustained the injury during the 2023 Roland Garros and was forced to withdraw from his second-round match against Holger Rune.
What has Svitolina said about her husband’s absence?
So far, Svitolina has enjoyed a sensational tournament and has beaten the likes of Venus Williams, Sofia Kenin, two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka and now Swiatek.
Speaking after her third round match against Kenin, Svitolina spoke about her husband’s absence from the tournament.
‘He wants me to come back because he’s really tired,’ she said.
‘But it’s okay. He’s like, Okay, you’re playing well, so it’s okay. So yeah, he’s enjoying [it]. He’s now home with two of our mums, as well. There is a big team taking care of Skai right now.’
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Gael Monfils was forced to pull out of Wimbledon this year after sustaining a wrist injury at Roland Garros
Wimbledon full schedule
Wednesday, July 12
- Ladies’ Singles Quarter-finals
- Men’s Singles Quarter-finals
- Ladies’ Doubles Quarter-finals
- Men’s Doubles Quarter-finals
This year’s men’s final is set to take place on Centre Court on Sunday, July 16, while the women’s singles final will take place a day before
Thursday, July 13
- Ladies’ Singles Semi-finals
- Men’s Doubles Semi-finals
- Mixed Doubles Final
Friday, July 14
- Men’s Singles Semi-finals
- Ladies’ Doubles Semi-finals
Saturday, July 15
- Ladies’ Singles Final
- Men’s Doubles Final
Sunday, July 16
- Men’s Singles Final
- Ladies’ Doubles Final
How to watch
Fans will be able to watch all of this year’s action live on BBC. All of the matches will also be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
For those who miss anything, fans will be able to catch up via ‘Today at Wimbledon’ every day from 9pm during the tournament.
ESPN will also be showing live coverage of all of this year’s action for those watching in the States.
Mail Sport will be providing live coverage every day at Wimbledon so you can keep up to date with all the action here.
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