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Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils celebrated the Frenchman's triumph at the 2023 Stockholm Open with cake.
Monfils captured his first title in over 18 months at the Stockholm Open. He defeated the likes of Adrian Mannarino and Laslo Djere en route to the final, where he overpowered Pavel Kotov of Russia to lift the title.
Svitolina, who has been a constant pillar of support for the Frenchman during his campaign, shared an intimate picture on social media. The photo featured Monfils moments before cutting into a cake adorned with the message "Congratulations for your tournament victory."
Monfils, 37, made history by becoming the oldest player to win at the Stockholm Open. He also became the oldest champion on the ATP tour since Roger Federer won the 2019 Swiss Indoors in Basel at the age of 38. In doing so, the Frenchman joined an elite group of players aged 37 or older who have claimed an ATP Tour title since 1990. This distinguished list includes the likes of Roger Federer, Ivo Karlovic, and Feliciano Lopez.
Following his triumph at the Stockholm Open, Monfils made his way to the stands to celebrate with his team, his wife Elina Svitolina, and his mother, Sylvette Cartesse.
During his post-match interview, the Frenchman paused to convey his gratitude for his wife Svitolina, his mother Sylvette Cartesse, and his daughter Skai. It was a special moment for Skai, who had the privilege of witnessing her father's first title since her birth.
“Special week for me with three ladies," Gael Monfils said. "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."
The former World No. 6 also extended his thanks for the support and coaching expertise of Mikael Tillstrom, who had previously coached him from 2016 to 2018.
“The funny thing is it’s my 12th title. 13 years later I won here. I guess 12 is my lucky number so.. crazy. Short story but long story. I’d like to thank Mikael. Before Roland Garros, I told him I need his 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 added.
"I hope Gael Monfils & I will have a couple more children"- Elina Svitolina opens up about her future plans
Elina Svitolina has recently voiced her desire to expand her family with husband Gael Monfils in the future.
The Ukrainian, who recently graced the cover of the latest issue of Vogue Ukraine, also addressed the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and her plans for the growth of her foundation.
During the height of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils revealed that they were expecting their first child. The couple welcomed their daughter Skai in October that year.
The former World No. 3 opened up about the challenges she faced during this period and lauded Monfils for his unwavering support during those trying times.
"He tried to be always around, to surround with attention and comfort," Elina Svitolina recalled in her interview with Vogue.
Discussing their plans for their daughter's future, Svitolina mentioned that they would encourage her to explore sports and consider tennis if she shows interest. She said:
"But only if she wants to [take up tennis]."
Svitolina made a successful return to the women's tour this season, clinching her first title as a mother at the Internationaux de Strasbourg in May. She also reached the quarterfinals at the French Open and the semifinals at Wimbledon.
As her career approaches its twilight, the 29-year-old expressed her aspiration to expand their family with Gael Monfils. She acknowledged the challenges of returning to competition after maternity leave, despite her previous accomplishments.
"It takes a lot of health, and life is not limited to tennis... I hope that then [after the competitive years] Gael and I will have a couple more children,” Svitolina said.
Furthermore, Svitolina, who oversees the Elina Svitolina Foundation - aimed at helping young talents excel in tennis, emphasized her commitment to developing the organization in the coming years.
"And I will continue to develop my fund, because Ukrainian tennis must flourish, and my mission is to make concrete efforts for this," Elina Svitolina said. "The children will be able to win grants for training, equipment and trips to competitions. And they will also have the opportunity to play, because now they have practically no matches."
