Gael Monfils has always been one of the most electrifying and entertaining players in tennis, but even the most passionate athletes can reach their breaking point. In a shocking revelation, Monfils admitted that he was ready to retire years ago, but his wife, fellow tennis star Elina Svitolina, saved his career and reignited his passion for the sport.

“If I hadn’t met Elina, I would have retired already… No doubt about it,” Monfils confessed. “I think I was ready to call it quits after COVID. At that time, I was still in the top 10, but it didn’t mean anything to me. Empty stadiums, a different energy—I just felt like tennis was no longer for me.”

Monfils, known for his flamboyant playing style and incredible athleticism, has faced numerous injuries throughout his career. But in 2020, the isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic pushed him to the brink. He no longer felt the same fire on the court, and for the first time, he seriously considered walking away from the game he had dedicated his life to.

“I started telling Elina that maybe it was time to stop. I couldn’t get back to my previous level, and that was incredibly frustrating,” he admitted. But instead of letting him spiral further, Svitolina became the guiding force that pulled him back. “She helped me get through it. Not instantly, but as winter came, I started feeling that spark again. A little bit of joy on the court… and for me, that’s everything.”

The renewed motivation led Monfils to a resurgence, climbing back up the rankings, winning the Adelaide title, and reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. However, just when things seemed to be falling into place, another devastating blow hit—an injury sidelined him for seven months. To make matters worse, Svitolina was pregnant, and he was dealing with serious family issues. At that moment, he thought it was truly the end.

“But Elina… she found the right words. She told me, ‘Look, I’m coming back after having our baby… so you can do it too.’ She gave me the motivation I needed. I told her, ‘I need a clear goal,’ and together, we set one.”

That goal? The Olympics.

“At that time, I was ranked somewhere around 400 in the world,” Monfils laughed. “But I told her, ‘I want to make it to the Olympics.’ Everyone laughed. But she believed in me.”

Slowly but surely, Monfils fought his way back, fueled by his wife’s unwavering support. Now, with his eyes set on competing at the highest level once again, he acknowledges the pivotal role Svitolina has played in keeping his career alive.

“My wife literally saved me. She reignited that fire within me. Sometimes it burns bright, sometimes it’s barely a flicker—but she brought it back.”

Monfils’ journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of having the right person by your side. And as he continues to defy the odds, one thing is certain—Elina Svitolina didn’t just save his career. She gave him a reason to keep fighting.