Gael Monfils has defended Elina Svitolina against online criticism following their separation. In an Instagram post, the French tennis star urged fans to respect their privacy, saying outsiders cannot understand the complexities of a relationship.Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina announced their separation which took fans by surprise.

Gael Monfils has defended Elina Svitolina against online criticism following their decision to separate, urging fans to respect their privacy and acknowledge that there is more to their relationship than what they share publicly.In a statement posted on Instagram, the French tennis star criticised the backlash against Svitolina after she spoke about her reasons for the separation, describing some of the comments directed at her as “unkind at best, and venomous at worst”.Monfils said the public's interest in his happiness had been accompanied by a lack of consideration for Svitolina, arguing that people could not fully understand the circumstances behind their decision from a social media post.“While some may not understand her reasons, or agree with them, please remember that there is so much more that happens in a relationship behind the curtain that cannot be explained in a post,” he wrote. The 39-year-old added that the separation would not end their bond as a family, with the two continuing to support each other as parents to their daughter, Skai.MONFILS BACKS SVITOLINAMonfils said he respected Svitolina's decision, despite acknowledging that the separation had been painful.

He also credited the Ukrainian with supporting him during difficult periods in his tennis career, including when injuries and self-doubt left him considering retirement. “When I was ready to quit tennis, she gave me the encouragement I needed to continue,” Monfils wrote, adding that Svitolina was behind some of his greatest achievements, with their daughter being the most significant.He also took issue with the scrutiny of Svitolina's explanation, saying she had not been obligated to justify her decision publicly. According to Monfils, she had chosen to discuss the separation openly, only to face criticism from people who felt her explanation was inadequate.The Frenchman said he found the reaction upsetting and urged people to distinguish between their public profiles and their private lives.“As we move through this new chapter, I would ask everyone to remember that we are all just human beings: not Gal Monfils and Elina Svitolina, but Gal and Elina.

Imperfect, but trying our best,” he added.A HIGH-PROFILE TENNIS COUPLEMonfils and Svitolina have been prominent figures on the tennis circuit, with their relationship attracting attention alongside their respective careers. The couple married in July 2021 and welcomed their daughter, Ska, in October that year.Both players have dealt with challenges away from the court.

Monfils has spoken about the impact of injuries and self-doubt on his career, while Svitolina has continued competing amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, her home country, following Russia's invasion in 2022.In his Instagram post, Monfils said the pair had previously shared both their personal milestones and struggles with the public. He described their separation as another difficult experience they had decided to address openly.However, he stressed that public disclosure should not invite judgement about the details of their relationship.

While acknowledging that some people might disagree with Svitolina's reasons, he argued that outsiders did not have the full picture.Monfils concluded by reiterating that he and Svitolina would continue to care for and support each other, particularly as they raise their daughter. His statement focused on defending Svitolina against the criticism surrounding the separation while making clear that the pair intended to maintain their family bond despite no longer being together as a couple.- Ends