Svitolina reveals if Monfils' withdrawal increases pressure on her at Roland Garros

Pedro de Pablos | 23 May 2026 | 11.41

Svitolina reveals if Monfils' withdrawal generates more pressure on her at Roland Garros

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Elina Svitolina is one of the key names at Roland Garros 2026. After winning the WTA Rome, the Ukrainian tennis player comes in as one of the main favorites to lift the trophy in the women's draw. Additionally, she will experience a very special tournament in Paris as it is the farewell year of her husband Gael Monfils, something that doesn't put pressure on her as much as people think.

As much as they are husband and wife, Gael Monfils is Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina is Elina Svitolina. As she says, each of them has their own career, so instead of pressure, what she feels is excitement to see the French tennis player shine in his last Grand Slam in front of his fans. She has also avoided creating high expectations regarding her aspirations since she has enough maturity and experience not to jump ahead.

Svitolina talks about her chances to win the Roland Garros after claiming the WTA Rome title

Confidence after winning the title at the Foro Italico

Well, certainly many great things are happening, and also some very special ones. To begin with, winning in Rome is a unique feeling for me, being here in good form, and, of course, you know, Gael will also play his last Roland Garros. For me, it's a very special tournament, and I will try to enjoy it to the fullest, with all the anticipation surrounding it.

Third time arriving at Roland Garros after winning the title in Rome and changes compared to previous times

Now I think about it differently, but I believe it is still too early to state it, because I need to start the tournament well. However, now I am more at ease, I would say, as back then, eight years ago, my goal was more like: "Okay, now I have to win Roland Garros." That was my aim. Now I'm more relaxed about it. Of course, I feel that I am in good form, but for me, it is about enjoying the journey and not pressuring myself too much or thinking too much ahead. It is simply about preparation, mental readiness, and physical preparation. I have always said that physical and mental preparation are the goals because when I am ready to fight, when I am prepared to be strong physically on the court, I can play good tennis. That is my goal, and then we will see what happens.

One of the favorites to win Roland Garros

Well, I believe I have been dealing with that for quite a few years. For me, it is simply about trying to focus on my game, on my performance, without dwelling too much on whether I can win the title or not. There are still many matches to win to clinch that title, and one must be in good shape, mentally prepared. There is still a lot of work ahead. Therefore, for me, the important thing is to concentrate on the first round, match by match, and be prepared for whatever comes.

Her husband's last Roland Garros, Gael Monfils

No, it is the same to me. It doesn't create any pressure for me. I think, of course, there are more things at stake, and sure, I feel that he is excited and nervous, with a mix of emotions. But, in a way, it is more about him than about me because his matter is one thing and mine another. So, I just want him to play well. I want to enjoy this last Roland Garros with him. Be there for him.

Match against Swiatek in Rome

Well, we have always played tough matches, hard sets, even sometimes when she beat me in two sets, but they have been very competitive. I expected a very tough battle and high intensity. We also practiced together at the beginning of the tournament, so I had an idea of what to expect. And so did she. I didn't notice much change. I mean, she always brings a lot of intensity, a lot of dominance on the court, especially on clay. So I tried to be prepared and find small opportunities, whether on the return or on serve, to try to regain the initiative. But I don't think it is necessarily against her, but against her, you don't have many chances. With other elite players, you have to seize them. When you have them, you have to be ready to capitalize on them.

Increased calmness and maturity over the years

I believe I am now more content with my career as it is. It's okay, you know, if I don't win a Grand Slam. In a way, it's also okay if I don't because if you don't accept it, I think you can eat yourself up inside and always be dissatisfied with what you do on the court. I think my career, even if it ends tomorrow, is fine. And if something happens, I won't mind it and will continue to be a happy person and live my life well, yes, even if I don't win a Grand Slam. So, I want to have this mentality now because I believe that when you are young, of course, you want to win a Grand Slam; that's the number one goal, and you get upset a lot and can hurt yourself mentally if you don't achieve it. So I think, in my case, I still believe I can win a Grand Slam, but I'm also okay if it doesn't happen or if it's not in my plans.

Evolution of women's tennis

I think it has improved over the years, and also, the level of women's tennis has risen significantly in recent years. I think it is also noticeable in sponsorships, in the various types of events that women are now participating in, and in TV viewership. It is now at its peak because when I started, it was still in development, in a growth phase. It's nice to see that evolution.

Presence alongside Monfils at Wawrinka's match in Geneva

Yes, Gael is a close friend of his, so I was happy to accompany him at Stan's match. It was great to see him win his game there once again in Geneva, in his home country. Stan is a great inspiration, you know, still competing at 41. So, it's great to see him. His incredible journey, too, you know, in that generation with Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray, winning Grand Slams, being a major competitor for them. Yes, it's great to still have him with us this last year and enjoy his one-handed backhands down the line.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Svitolina desvela si la retirada de Monfils le genera más presión en Roland Garros