Tennis’ golden couple, Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina, announced on Saturday that they have decided to ‘take a break.’
“The decision was incredibly difficult, because we still have love for each other,” the players said in a joint statement.
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“But it’s just two best friends realising it’s time to take some space and help each other live the most joyous, fulfilled lives as possible.
I’m more sad about GEMSlife than Kimye
— Milos Raonic (@milosraonic) February 21, 2021
“We won’t be commenting beyond this, and we thank you all in advance for respecting our privacy. Sending lots of love to everyone.”
Monfils and Svitolina, who had a shared Instagram account called the G.E.M.S life, had been dating for more than two years now.
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The split comes at a time when the Frenchman is having a nightmarish time on the court. Monfils was knocked out in the first round of the Australian Open, extending his losing streak to seven matches.
“I would like to get out of this nightmare, but I can’t,” a teary-eyed Monfils told reporters after losing 6-3, 4-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 to 86th ranked Emil Ruusuvuori of Finland in Melbourne.
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It has been almost a year since the 34-year-old last won a match. He has failed to record a single victory since the Tour resumed in August after a six-month break because of the virus.
“Don’t shoot me, I’m asking for mercy. I work like a butcher, but I have zero confidence. I do not feel well.”
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Svitolina, 26, passed on a very public message of support to Monfils after beating Marie Bouzkova in her first round clash at Melbourne Park, writing ‘Gael’ with a love heart on a camera lens and blowing him a kiss.
The pair, known for their entertaining videos on social media, was forced to spend time apart during the quarantine period before the Australian Open.
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