⬆️ La Monf magic! At 38, Gael Monfils clinches 13th ATP title with Auckland final victory over Zizou Bergs ⬆️
The other tempering influence on Monfils has been marriage and fatherhood. The relationship between Monfils and Svitolina took many by surprise because they are such dissimilar characters: he a riveting showman steeped and lionized in hip culture, she a diligent, self-effacing WTA pro who wouldn’t say “boo” to a ghost. Gael and Elina have a daughter Skai, who will be three in May.
The familiar “opposites attract” theory is borne out in this relationship, but it seems to go a little deeper than that. They don’t just give each other things the other partner doesn’t have, or needs. They have found stability and reaped the personal and professional benefits therein. It’s no wonder Monfils dedicated the win in Auckland to Skai during the trophy presentation, the transformative impact of the child seems undeniable.
“She might just wake up [from her nap] now,” said Monfils. “It’s my second final as a dad, and I’m really happy—super happy—that I could win a tough final.”
Fatherhood clearly agrees with Monfils, and so does Borscht.
