

In a heartwarming display of tennis prowess and love, Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina made history at the Citi Open by becoming the only wild card husband and wife pair to win their respective round 1 matches. Their victories not only showcased their dedication to the sport but also their unwavering support for each other. Amidst cheers and triumphs, the couple’s journey unfolded on the courts, capturing the hearts of fans and creating a story for the ages.
As Monfils relished his victory, his thoughts were already with his wife, Elina Svitolina, who faced a formidable opponent in her match against Victoria Azarenka. The two players had a history of tension, and their last encounter at Wimbledon had been marred by a handshake controversy due to geopolitical sentiments.
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Monfils and Svitolina’s historic triumph at Citi Open 2023
Gael Monfils, known for his electrifying presence on the court, set the stage for their historical feat with a stellar performance in his first-round match. After securing the victory, he expressed his delight for his wife’s success, saying, “Elina (Svitolina) had a tough match. She played amazing. I was super happy for her. Of course now, I won. It’s gonna be a chill night.”
Monfils was seen blushing after replying to the press post his victory against Bjorn Fratangelo with the scoreline of 6-3, 6-4.
Andrea Krasny: “I can’t remember the last time I saw 2 wild card husband & wife enter a tournament & won both of their opening rounds
Gael Monfils: “Elina had a tough match. She played amazing. I was super happy for her. Of course now, I won. It’s gonna be a chill night” pic.twitter.com/b53C8CYAaP
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 1, 2023
On the other side of the duo’s win, Svitolina remained true to her principles, maintaining her stance of not shaking hands with Russian and Belarusian players due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Elina Svitolina entered the court with unwavering determination, facing the fierce competition from Victoria Azarenka. Despite a shaky start, the Ukrainian showcased her resilience and composure, ultimately achieving a 7-6(2), 6-4 victory in less than two hours.
After her win, Svitolina had a sweet moment with her husband, Gael Monfils.
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The heartwarming story behind the wins
As she made her way through the tunnel after the match, a sweet and heartwarming moment unfolded. There, she met her husband Gael Monfils, who was preparing for his own upcoming match. The couple exchanged warm greetings and shared a tender kiss, encapsulating the joy and love that fueled their performances on the court.
Couple goals 🥰
Husband and wife @Gael_Monfils & @ElinaSvitolina meet in the tunnel after Svitolina's win in Washington!#MubadalaCitiOpen pic.twitter.com/pWuARHAMGi
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 1, 2023
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Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina’s journey at the Citi Open transcends their individual achievements. Their shared passion for tennis and unyielding support for each other serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of love, not only in sports but also in life. In the coming days of the Citi Open, we can only look forward to more breathtaking performances from these exceptional athletes and a display of love that transcends the boundaries of the sport.
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