Star couple Svitolina and Monfils win Paris title, defeat Sinner and Djokovic
Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils (photo: x.com/rolandgarros)
Ukraine’s top tennis player, Elina Svitolina, and her husband, French tennis star Gaël Monfils, have won the exhibition doubles tournament Gael&Friends in Paris, according to the official website of the French Major.
Star clashes on the Roland Garros courts
A unique competition in the format of a tennis and music show was organized in honor of the upcoming retirement of 39-year-old French tennis player Gaël Monfils. Despite the friendly nature of the mini-tournament, the lineup of participants was extremely strong.
Svitolina and Monfils’ path to the trophy:
Early rounds: they first confidently defeated the pair Sorana Cîrstea / Richard Gasquet, and then overcame the world No. 1 in men’s tennis, Jannik Sinner, together with Diane Parry.
Final: in the decisive match, Elina and Gaël left no chances for legendary Novak Djokovic, who played alongside Greek player Maria Sakkari, 10:6.
Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina win the Gael & Friends #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/oNJQNUtjxJ
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 21, 2026
Monfils’ farewell moment in Paris
The 2026 season will be the final year of Gaël Monfils’ long professional career — the Frenchman will officially hang up his racket at the end of the year.
On May 24, the main draw of the prestigious Grand Slam tournament, Roland Garros, will begin in Paris. The organizers have granted the experienced French player a wild card, and in his farewell first-round match at his home major, he will face fellow countryman Hugo Gaston.
Meanwhile, Elina Svitolina will start her singles campaign against Hungary’s Anna Bondár.
