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Gael Monfils, 37, credits his family for still being active as the Frenchman highlighted that everything is easier when he has someone as understanding and supportive as Elina Svitolina on his side. Last year, Monfils missed the majority of the season due to injuries, while Svitolina took a break from tennis in April before announcing her pregnancy in May and giving birth in October.
This year, both Monfils and Svitolina made a successful comeback to tennis. In 2023, Monfils and Svitolina were able to find a way to take care of Shai and also compete in tournaments. When Monfils was competing in tournaments, Svitolina was usually the one at home taking care of home.
When Svitolina was competing, Monfils was the one taking care of Shai. “We both understand the sacrifices and push each other in the best way," Monfils told The Independent.
Monfils, Svitolina to start the 2024 season in the same tournament
Last month, the ASB Classic in Auckland announced that Monfils and Svitolina agreed to start their 2024 season in New Zealand.
“His current ranking is 77 and the cut-off last time was 65. It’s hard to know where the cut will be next year, but if he needs a wildcard then we’ll give him one for sure," Auckland tournament director Nicolas Lamperin told Stuff in mid-November.
Svitolina, who made the Wimbledon semifinal three months after her return, will be looking to also make a strong start to 2024 in Auckland. "She carries a lot of weight on her shoulders now, being a mum, an ambassador for the charity of the Ukrainian president (Volodymyr Zelenskyy) and being vocal about what’s happening there, and also focusing on her comeback.
What she’s done this year is pretty spectacular. Coming back from pregnancy normally takes a lot longer to get back to the top level, but she’s extremely strong and motivated," Lamperin said of Svitolina.