Elina Svitolina reveals how she and Gael Monfils look after baby daughter while on tour

Elina Svitolina is back on tour, six months after giving birth to her and Gael Monfils’ baby daughter Skai. 13 months since her appearance at the 2022 Miami Open, the Ukrainian recently participated in the 2023 Charleston Open where she lost to Yulia Putintseva 6-7 (3), 6-2, 6-4 in the first round.

After her match, Elina Svitolina engaged in a conversation with Tennis Channel’s Steve Weissman. During the interview, the former World No. 3 opened up about her and Gael Monfils’ new role as parents, calling it a “special moment” for the couple.

“It’s amazing. Really special moment shared together with Gael,” Elina Svitolina said. “It’s really special to have these moments together as a family and I really enjoy that.”

The trip to the US for the Charleston Open is Svitolina's first long stay without her daughter. Monfils made his own such trip to the US a few weeks back - to compete at the Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami as well as a Challenger event in Phoenix, Arizona. The Frenchman is now back in Europe.

Svitolina revealed that Monfils is currently fulfilling parental duties and taking care of their daughter while she is on tour.

“Now they’re in Europe. Gael was watching. Skai was sleeping peacefully,” she said.

When asked about the likely scenario of both parents being on tour simultaneously, the 28-year-old replied that the couple had appointed a full-time nanny. She also stated that they were getting a lot of help from their parents.

“Our parents. We have a full-time nanny for Skai. So, she has enough people looking after her so that we can focus on tennis. And then, when we are back home, we enjoy family time,” Elina Svitolina said.

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Gael Monfils' comeback didn't go as planned at the Sunshine Double

Gael Monfils in Indian Wells in 2023

Gael Monfils was out of action for seven months after suffering a foot injury at the Canadian Open last year. The French tennis player marked his return with a protected ranking at the 2023 Indian Wells Masters. However, he suffered an opening-round loss to Australia’s Jordan Thompson.

Next, the 36-year-old competed at the Arizona Tennis Classic Challenger event, where he similarly faced a first-round defeat - to eventual finalist Alexander Shevchenko.

At the Miami Open Monfils' run was cut short after hurting his right wrist during his first match, against compatriot Ugo Humbert. Although uncertainty looms over Monfils’ immediate future, he is registered to play at the ATP Lyon Open between May 21- 27.