Google News Gael Monfils' special message for wife Elina Svitolina, daughter after Stockholm win
by DZEVAD MESIC
Gael Monfils dedicated his Stockholm title to his wife Elina Svitolina, daughter Skai, and also his mom. On Sunday, 37-year-old Monfils came back from a set down to beat Pavel Kotov 4-6 7-6 (6) 6-3 in the Stockholm final. Monfils, who turned 37 in September, won his first ATP title as a father.
In 2022 October, Monfils and Svitolina welcomed their first child. “Special week for me with three ladies. 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,” Monfils said.
Monfils wins his first ATP title as a father
Prior to Stockholm, Monfils just had one ATP quarterfinal on the season.
But in Sweden, Monfils found his game and ended up winning it all. "Credit to Pavel. He has had an unbelievable week and he was pushing me on the court. I ran a lot today. When I had to save break points in the second set, I tried to push through.
I don't know how I pulled up but I kept believing and fighting," Monfils said after winning Stockholm. Meanwhile, there is not much time to rest for Monfils. This week, Monfils is competing in Vienna. In Vienna, Monfils will be meeting Daniel Altmaier in the first round.
At the Austrian ATP 500 event, Monfils is a familiar face, having played at the tournament eight times in the past. In his Vienna debut in 2008, Monfils reached the final before losing to Philipp Petzschner. Monfils also had some other notable runs in Vienna as he was a semifinalist at the tournament in 2015 and 2019. It remains to be seen if Monfils can continue his fine form in Vienna and make another deep run.