Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina have dominated headlines over the past week, after announcing they would be going their separate ways.
It has torn the tennis world, seeing one of its most famous and adored power couples split.
Naturally, the reaction has been an emotional one, with many fans picking sides, and many players and pundits sending kind messages.
Martina Navratilova and Boris Becker are the latest to react, with the former actually jumping to their defence in the face of some really ‘nasty’ criticism.
Martina Navratilova defends Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils
This will, undoubtedly, have been one of the toughest decisions they have had to make. Regardless of who instigated the split, and how they may have gone about it, criticism over what is merely speculation is pointless and unhelpful.
It speaks volumes that Gael Monfils actually had to come out and defend Elina Svitolina after the venomous reaction she received from her initial statement.
Give us one bold prediction for the final months of the 2026 tennis season!
Fortunately, Navratilova has echoed his sentiments, as she took to X to claim: “People are so nasty. Nobody is hurting more than Elina and Gael right now and people dare criticise them???”
She added: “Only wish them good luck and good health.”
Becker picked up where she left off with his own tweet, noting: “We love you both, Elena & Gael!
“It’s very difficult and challenging at times to live your life in the public eye… Take good care of each other as a family and, most importantly, your daughter Skai! God bless.”
This comes not long after Stefanos Tsitsipas reacted to Monfils’ shock retirement, with the Frenchman having silently ended his career.
He was due to play in Lyon and at the Paris Masters, but has withdrawn from both and actually removed himself from the sport’s anti-doping protocols.
This brought an abrupt conclusion to his playing days, as he is no longer eligible to compete at ATP events.
Despite this, the Paris Masters tournament director claims a spot is there for Monfils, should he change his mind.
Monfils will still play one final match this year, at Stan Wawrinka’s retirement event in December.
