Tennis stars Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils expecting baby girl in October

Svitolina said in March that she would be taking a break from the sport.

Eleanor Crooks
Sunday 15 May 2022 11:40 BST
Comments
Elina Svitolina is expecting her first child in October (Jonathan Nackstrand/AELTC Pool)
Elina Svitolina is expecting her first child in October (Jonathan Nackstrand/AELTC Pool) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils have announced they are expecting a baby girl.

Svitolina, currently ranked 27 but a fixture in the top 10 for most of the last decade, has not played a match since suffering defeat by Heather Watson at the Miami Open in March.

The 27-year-old Ukrainian has been one of the most outspoken voices regarding tennis’ reaction to the invasion of her home country by Russia and said following Miami that she would be taking a break after a difficult couple of months emotionally and physically.

Svitolina and Monfils posted the same message on Twitter on Sunday, writing: “With a heart full of love and happiness, we are delighted to announce that we are expecting a baby girl in October.”

Tennis’ most high-profile couple were married last July having first gone public with their relationship in 2019.

Svitolina, who has reached two grand slam semi-finals and six quarter-finals, becomes the latest leading player to step away from the sport mid-career to start a family, following in the footsteps of Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in