Svitolina and Monfils make history at Australian Open

Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina and Frenchman Gael Monfils each knock out top-four players.

France's Gael Monfils (L) kisses his wife, Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, after her victory against Italy's Jasmine Paolini in their women's singles match on day seven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 18, 2025. Photo by Martin Keep/AFP/Getty Images

By Yuni Utomo and Mariana Putri

Elina Svitolina and her husband, Gael Monfils, celebrated a remarkable day at the Australian Open, both defeating world number four players in a historic double. Svitolina triumphed over Jasmine Paolini 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 in the third round of the women’s singles, just hours after Monfils stunned Taylor Fritz in the men’s draw.

Svitolina, who is currently ranked world number 27, was elated with her performance. “It’s really a great day for us today, beating top-four players and playing great tennis,” said the 30-year-old Ukrainian.

The couple’s success came as Monfils, 38, cheered from Svitolina’s on-court coaching box. The Frenchman’s victory over Fritz, a 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4 win, secured his place in the last 16 of the Australian Open for the sixth time in 19 appearances.

Gael Monfils of France celebrates a point during the Men's Singles Third Round match against Taylor Fritz of the United States on day seven of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 18, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images

“Most of the big tournaments we have each other by our sides. It means a lot to have someone who understands what I am going through,” Svitolina added. The couple, who married in 2021 and welcomed a daughter in 2022, have managed to keep their professional tennis careers and personal lives separate.

“When we go back home, we completely switch off (from tennis),” Svitolina explained. “We just enjoy our time as a family, as a mum and dad with our daughter. It’s a really unique connection that we have. I’m really happy with the way that we’ve been dealing with these things.”

Despite a slow start, Svitolina proved her resilience against Paolini. The Ukrainian tennis star dropped five games in a row to lose the first set, but her level of play improved dramatically in the second. Svitolina’s determination saw her take complete control in the third set, winning 6-0 and sealing her place in the last 16.

Paolini, who had a breakout season in 2024 with a title win in Dubai and reaching the last 16 at all four Grand Slams, couldn’t match Svitolina’s surge in the final set. Svitolina fired off 34 winners in a dominant performance.

“I think that after the first set she raised her level, for sure,” said Paolini. “She started to play better and better. I think my intensity was a little bit going down. At the end, she played a better match than me.”

Svitolina will face Russian Veronika Kudermetova for a spot in the quarter-finals, with Kudermetova having defeated Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-4, 6-2 in her third-round match.

As a Ukrainian, Svitolina continues to honor her stance against shaking hands with Russian players due to the ongoing war in her homeland. This personal decision reflects the deep connection she feels to her country’s struggles.

A stellar Australian Open campaign

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina returns a shot against the United States' Caroline Dolehide during their women's singles match on day five of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 16, 2025. Photo by David Gray/AFP/Getty Images

Svitolina’s best performance at the Australian Open was reaching the quarter-finals in 2018 and 2019. Her win over Paolini, combined with Monfils’ victory, has further solidified their status as one of the most inspiring couples in tennis. Their ability to support each other while competing at the highest level of tennis continues to capture the admiration of fans worldwide.

As the tournament progresses, both players will look to carry their momentum into the next rounds, with their shared drive and determination lighting up Melbourne Park. Svitolina’s victory has set the stage for what could be another memorable run at the Australian Open, where her skill and resilience on the court are poised to take center stage.

With both players in the tournament’s final stages, the tennis world will be watching closely as Svitolina and Monfils continue to navigate their careers at the Australian Open. Their ability to overcome personal and professional challenges while playing at the highest level is a testament to their strength, both as individuals and as a team.

Their shared success at this year’s tournament adds another chapter to their already impressive careers, and their journey through the Australian Open is far from over.

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