Gael Monfils sat out wife Elina Svitolina’s run to the Wimbledon semi-finals – but the injured Frenchman says he got nothing but inspiration from the magical fortnight while sitting on the sidelines.
Svitolina was defeated by eventual champion Market Vondrousova, but left the All England Club soothed by the thought of catching up again with her ATP husband and the couple’s infant daughter Skai back home in Geneva.
Monfils has been off the Tour since winning a first-round Roland Garros match but handing in an injury walkover in the succeeding round.
He told TennisMajors of his pride for his wife’s accomplishment on the grass.
““I’m just proud of my wife. How much work has he put in to be at that level and how much discipline.
“I was amazed at the strength of her, mentally, in a few matches, to turn them around and then come back for her next match.
“I was proud and inspired. That’s why I feel like a champion right now.”
He added that he will test his wrist in Los Angeles at an upcoming exhibition tournament.
“I’ve had some quality time with my daughter so I’m full of energy and I really want to do well on this tour.
“I feel like the wrist problem is almost behind me,” the No. 315 said..
“You know how it is when you come back, you still have to be very careful, so I need to bandage my wrist to be safe and do my rehab.”
Main photo:-Wimbledon Championships 2023 Elina Svitolina loses semi final match by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
