"I warmed up the court for her" - Gael Monfils makes endearing mention of wife Elina Svitolina as she looks to follow him with Australian Open 3R win

Gael Monfils sent an adorable message to his wife Elina Svitolina after scoring a monumental win against fourth seed Taylor Fritz in the third round of the 2025 Australian Open. The Frenchman played at the Margaret Court Arena, which will headline Svitolina's match against fourth seed Jasmine Paolini next.

Monfils headed into the Happy Slam riding on the back of his impressive triumph in Auckland, where he turned back the clock by playing some high-quality tennis. He continued his form at the Melbourne Major where he claimed a shock win over 30th seed Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a five-set thriller, following which, he ousted Daniel Altmaier in straight sets.

The Frenchman faced the in-form Taylor Fritz next. In what many thought would be the end of his campaign, Gael Monfils shocked the tennis world by overturning a one-set deficit to stun Fritz 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(1), 6-4. During his on-court interview, Monfils was informed his wife Elina Svitolina would be playing at the Margaret Court Arena against, coincidentally, fourth seed Jasmine Paolini next.

"Yeah, exactly. You know, I think I warmed up the court for her. She plays also the World No. 4, so, I guess it's going to be tough for her and Elina, I hope she will search this one," Monfils said. (at 2:39)

The couple has a two-year-old daughter Skai, who they welcomed on October 15, 2022.

"I have a strong belief that I can still do some damage" - Gael Monfils on making it into the second week of Australian Open 2025

Gael Monfils - Source: Getty

38-year-old Gael Monfils has been playing some of his finest tennis in the 2025 season. When asked during his on-court interview how it looked like the Frenchman had forgotten how to lose, he responded that he had been giving it his best daily and was fortunate enough to reach the second week of the Melbourne Major.

"Been just fortunate, you know, but every day is different. We work hard, you know, I try to be very disciplined with the recovery. I have a strong belief of myself, strong belief that I can still do some damage and I have a big trust to my team. And obviously, with a little bit luck, here we are in second week of Australian Open," Monfils said.(at 1:33)

Monfils, who would be looking to reach his third quarterfinals at the Australian Open, will face either 21st seed Ben Shelton or 16th seed Lorenzo Musseti next.

On the other hand, the winner of Elina Svitolina and Jasmine Paolini's match will face Veronika Kudermetova in the fourth round.