INDIAN WELLS, California, Nov 13 : Elina Svitolina said maintaining a strong co-parenting relationship with Gael Monfils and protecting the wellbeing of their young daughter are her priorities as she adapts to life after their split.
The Ukrainian said she and Monfils, the French former world number six, remain in regular contact despite their separation, which they announced last month. The couple married in July 2021 and welcomed a daughter, Skai, in October 2022.
Svitolina said the pressures of Russia's war in Ukraine were among the factors that contributed to the breakdown of their marriage.
"We have a great relationship with Gael," Svitolina told reporters on Friday after her WTA Finals round-robin victory over Aryna Sabalenka, which advanced her to the semi-finals of the season-ending championships at Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
"Even 10 minutes before the match I had to talk with him and we're on good terms.
"The most for us is to have our daughter being happy. It's the most important priority for us."
Svitolina said the tournament offered little respite from attention surrounding the breakup, with intense…