Gael Monfils makes big promise to daughter Skai after reaching ASB Classic Final

Gael Monfils couldn't stop himself from expressing sheer emotions for his daughter Skai at the ASB Classic 2025. After taking down Nishesh Basavareddy in the semifinals, the Frenchman revealed that he wanted to clinch the title and make his daughter happy.

After they began dating in 2019, Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina got married in 2021 and a year later, welcomed their first daughter Skai. After an underwhelming start to his 2025 season with a second-round exit in Brisbane, Monfils has put up a promising run in Auckland. The 38-year-old took down opponents such as Jan Lennard Struff and Facundo Diaz Acosta to reach the semifinals. Following his remarkable win over Nishesh Basavareddy, the World No. 52 couldn't hold back from expressing his emotions and said he wanted to win the tournament for his daughter, Skai.

"Nah i will definitely do a good recover. You know, to be honest, with adrenaline you always come for a final. So I will enjoy a bit myself, call my daughter when she is awake to tell her I'm in final," Monfils said.

"And then you know I'll try to win another one for her," he added.

Gael Monfils and Svitolina celebrated daughter Skai's second birthday in October, and in an interview during the UTS, Monfils revealed how being a father shifted his priorities (as quoted by tennis.com):

"When I go back home or I call my daughter, she doesn’t even really know if I win, if I lose, it’s all the same for her," he said.

Prior to the 2025 season, the couple took some time away and spent a cozy Christmas together.

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Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina cherish adorable Christmas vibes with daughter Skai

Celebrity At Paris Saint Germain v Olympique Lyonnais - Ligue 1 Uber Eats - Source: Getty

Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina extended a heartfelt surprise for their fans on Christmas. On December 24, Svitolina took to her Instagram handle to share glimpses of the family cherishing the festive morning in their cozy outfits.

She captioned the post:

"Christmas morning ✨🎄🤗"

After an underwhelming period, Gael Monfils gave signs of a massive comeback at the ASB Classic. He secured a spot in the ASB Classic finals by defeating a much younger opponent in Nishesh Basavareddy and will face Zizou Bergs on Saturday, January 11. The Frenchman's last title dates back to 2023, when he defeated Pavel Kotov to win the Stockholm Open.

Meanwhile, Elina Svitolina will make her return after the 2024 US Open and face off against Sorana Cirstea at the Australian Open on Monday, January 13.