Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils have largely stayed clear of controversy throughout their careers, but this time, the tennis couple has found themselves at the center of unexpected backlash. After Svitolina shared a lighthearted clip of the two playing doubles together, some fans accused the Ukrainian of being “misogynistic” based on the caption she used.
Svitolina, meanwhile, is riding high on confidence after a stellar run at the Italian Open, where she clinched the title. She defeated Coco Gauff in a gripping three-set final, winning 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2 last Saturday to cap off an impressive week in Rome.
Following her triumph, Svitolina took to Instagram to post a video of herself playing doubles alongside Monfils, adding the following caption:
“When your husband’s talent is natural, and yours needs technical support.”
Soon after, fans flocked to X (formerly Twitter) to share their reactions, with many expressing surprise at how Elina Svitolina appeared to praise her husband’s abilities while seemingly downplaying her own achievements, particularly in the wake of her recent performance in Rome. One user wrote:
“Maybe I’m too woke.”
“Straight female athletes and their need to diminish their own talents/achievements to praise their less succesful husbands needs to be studied,” another wrote.
“I have an opinion about this but I fear it’s way too woke based on how everyone else is reacting,” one user posted.
“It makes me laugh because she is objectively a much better tennis player, Monfils is the typical talented dude who doesn’t train and therefore performs below his potential,” another tweeted.
“I don’t wanna sound too woke but come on, sis, you just came from winning Rome and you were world number 3!!! how do you downplay yourself like that,” one fan commented.
“She ain’t even got a slam but her career 3x his lmao,” another joined in.
Gael Monfils Pens Touching Message For Wife Elina Svitolina After Italian Open Win
Gael Monfils has always been one of Elina Svitolina’s biggest supporters, consistently showing his admiration for her both on and off the court. Staying true to that, the Frenchman once again expressed his pride after Svitolina’s triumph at the 2026 Italian Open.
Shortly after her title-winning run in Rome, Monfils took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message celebrating his wife’s achievement. The Frenchman wrote:
“Eight years. Eight years to climb back to the top of a Masters 1000. What a season, what a week, what a player. But above all, what a woman. An incredible mom to Skaï, an exceptional athlete, a soul like no other.
I’m so proud of you, my love. Of your strength, your calm, of everything you carry quietly day after day. You inspire me, every single day. Enjoy this, soak it all in. You deserve every second of it. I love you.”
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