{
  "id": 16298431,
  "title": "Gael Monfils defends Elina Svitolina after ‘venomous’ backlash to divorce",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/gael-monfils-defends-elina-svitolina-after-venomous-backlash-to",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-24T07:38:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/gael-monfils-defends-elina-svitolina-073803600.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Gael Monfils has expressed concern over the \"venomous\" and \"upsetting\" criticism Elina Svitolina has received since announcing their divorce after five years of marriage. The French tennis star, who had planned to retire at the Paris Masters, addressed the backlash on social media, stating that there was a \"lack of grace and kindness\" shown towards Svitolina. Svitolina, the world No 6 and four-time grand slam semi-finalist, revealed the decision to end their marriage in a \"difficult\" manner, citing the mental impact of Russia's ongoing war on her country. Monfils clarified that Svitolina's decision led to his premature retirement. He emphasized that they remain a family, despite their separation, and will continue to support and care deeply for each other, especially as co-parents to their four-year-old daughter, Skai.",
  "summary": "Monfils said he found the ‘lack of grace and kindness’ shown towards Svitolina ‘upsetting’",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}