Svitolina Cheers for Monfils as Both Eye Australian Open Quarterfinals

MELBOURNE, Australia — Elina Svitolina, fresh off her victory in the Australian Open, is now turning her attention to supporting her husband, Gaël Monfils, as he aims to join her in the quarterfinals. Svitolina, the No. 28 seed, secured her spot in the last eight with a decisive 6-4, 6-1 win over Veronika Kudermetova on Rod Laver Arena.

“Hopefully courtside!” Svitolina exclaimed when asked where she plans to watch Monfils’ upcoming match against American Ben Shelton. “I have time, a little bit, to do my recovery, and then we’ll put all energy towards his match. It’s going to be an epic one, so hopefully you guys can give him big support!” she added, rallying the crowd.

Monfils, a sentimental favorite at 38, has been one of the tournament’s standout stories. After starting the year with a title in Auckland, he stunned No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz in a thrilling third-round match. “Playing the way he plays right now is special,” Svitolina said. “I feel like we’re really witnessing something really nice.”

Svitolina’s own resurgence has been notable. After an injury-plagued 2024, she has dropped just one set in four rounds at this year’s Australian Open. “I feel like it was a lifetime ago,” she reflected on her last quarterfinal appearance in Melbourne. “From having our daughter Skaï, then surgery as well. Many things happened and I’m really pleased with the performance throughout this tournament, and really enjoying this win today.”

Monfils, who watched Svitolina’s win from her players’ box, is set to face Shelton on Margaret Court Arena. The French veteran, a 13-time ATP Tour winner, is enjoying an incredible run, becoming the oldest player to win an ATP Tour title last week in Auckland. Despite his success, Monfils remains humble about his chances. “Win?” he replied when asked if he could win the Australian Open. “No. To be honest with you, it’s not even a dream to win the tournament. My dream is to be old with a lot of kids and healthy.”

As the tennis world watches, the couple’s dual quest for quarterfinal berths adds a unique storyline to this year’s Australian Open. Svitolina and Monfils, both fan favorites, continue to inspire with their resilience and passion for the game.