Before facing Jasmine Paolini this Sunday in the round of 16 of Roland-Garros, Elina Svitolina spoke of the career of her French husband Gaël Monfils (38) and obviously her retirement. Even if the Ukrainian does not hide that she wishes to see her husband champion continue as long as possible.
Released from the outset by the British Jacob Fearnley earlier this week, Stan Wawrinka had not hidden that he may have just played his last Roland-Garros. “We will say that I have no guarantee to come back next year here,” said the Swiss after his defeat, recalling that an end of career, just like a retirement, was above all something “very personal” as well as “a feeling”. Gaël Monfils, who will be 39 years old on September 1, knows something about it.
“La Monf”, at 38 years well, is still active. Better still: it continues to practice a very high level of tennis. Nevertheless, each match reminds him that he no longer has his twenty-year-old legs, when it is not Jack Draper, who ended the French veteran last Friday to shine in this Roland-Garros who could be his last. Elina Svitolina, his wife, does not hope.
In the same way and while Richard Gasquet has already bowed out, the Ukrainian and wife of the French champion, greatly wants her husband to continue his career a few more years. If only for the shows he offers each of his outings.
Svitolina: “Of course, it will happen one day. Soon “
“The French are fans. Me too ! I love watching him play, I love the show he offers. It’s great for tennis to have it, ”admits the world number 14 in Le Parisien a few hours before challenging Jasmine Paolini in the round of 16. The Ukrainian also recalls that she is not the only one to cross her fingers so that her husband prolongs the adventure.
“Look at what it produces!” I feel that he wants it, that he wants to beat a few old age records or still win tournaments. He keeps this motivation deep inside. “” Svito “has nevertheless already noted that” the Monf “, although overvable, was not eternal. “Inevitably, it will happen one day. Soon “. She dreads this day at the highest point. “Someone as close who closes this chapter … There will be a lot of tears (…) not only for me, but really everyone. »»
