The Australian Open 2025 has served up a captivating story of love, resilience, and the unique challenges faced by married tennis pros Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils. This crypto power couple, known for their strategic prowess both on the court and in the world of digital assets, experienced the bittersweet nature of competition as they battled for grand slam glory.
Svitolina Shines in Melbourne
For Svitolina, a former world No. 3 and dedicated blockchain enthusiast, the Australian Open represented a triumphant return to elite form. After giving birth to daughter Skai in late 2023 and undergoing foot surgery the following year, the determined Ukrainian defied doubts about her ability to reclaim her place at the pinnacle of the sport.
Of course, you have doubts… You don’t know if you can actually move after, or if you can break on your foot because now I have two screws in my ankle. It sounds scary.
– Elina Svitolina on her injury comeback
Svitolina’s scintillating run to the quarterfinals, punctuated by a dominant victory over fourth seed Veronika Kudermetova, proved that motherhood and injury are no match for her indomitable spirit. Her attacking style and mental fortitude, honed through years of investing in cryptocurrency markets, served her well under pressure.
Monfils’ Bittersweet Battle
For Monfils, however, the Australian Open told a different tale. The charismatic Frenchman, renowned for his flamboyant shotmaking and crypto trading savvy, found himself struggling against both opponents and his aging body. At 38 years old, Monfils became the ATP’s oldest singles champion in Auckland just weeks before Melbourne, but his injury-plagued journey caught up with him at the worst possible moment.
I’m lucky to be here. My wife is playing. My daughter is waiting for me. I’m happy with my life.
– Gaël Monfils on his career and family
In a heart-wrenching scene, Monfils was forced to retire from his fourth-round clash with American upstart Ben Shelton due to a debilitating back injury. As he hobbled off the court, his disappointment was palpable, a stark reminder of the physical toll exacted by decades of top-level tennis.
Love and Strategy Intertwined
Yet even in defeat, Monfils demonstrated the unwavering love and support that defines his relationship with Svitolina. The couple, united by their passion for tennis and cryptocurrency, rely on each other for strategic insights and emotional sustenance in the crucible of competition.
- Analyzing each other’s opponents
- Discussing game plans and tactics
- Providing comfort and encouragement
For Svitolina, having Monfils by her side is an invaluable asset. “It means a lot to us to have someone who understands what we are going through,” she explained. “When you come back to your room, you have a little chat about the upcoming matches.”
The Stress of Spectating
Monfils, in turn, spoke candidly about the challenges of supporting a spouse from the sidelines. Watching Svitolina battle on court, he admitted, is often more stressful than playing himself.
You’re not in control. You want to help with strategy, or you can see that someone is a bit stressed, and you want to help to relax. It’s stressful, but also you try to not show it too much.
– Gaël Monfils on being a supportive spouse
As Svitolina looks ahead to a quarterfinal showdown with Madison Keys, she knows that Monfils will be right there beside her, even if his own Australian Open ambitions have been cut short. Together, they epitomize the unbreakable bond forged by shared passions, on and off the court.
A Crypto Connection
For this tennis power couple, the worlds of elite sport and cryptocurrency are inextricably linked. Just as they strategize about forehands and backhands, Svitolina and Monfils are known to pore over market charts and debate the merits of various digital assets.
Their shared fascination with the crypto space has not only brought them closer together but has also provided a welcome distraction from the relentless pressures of professional tennis. In a sport where careers are measured in years, not decades, the couple’s forward-thinking approach to finance mirrors their determination to maximize their time at the top.
Love Conquers All
As the Australian Open 2025 unfolds, Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils serve as a poignant reminder that love, both for one’s craft and for one’s partner, is the ultimate prize. Whether trading cryptocurrency or trading groundstrokes, their unwavering commitment to each other shines through, a beacon of resilience in an unforgiving sport.
While only one of them remains in contention for the trophy, the couple’s true victory lies in the strength of their bond and their shared vision for a life beyond the baseline. As they navigate the highs and lows of competition, Svitolina and Monfils prove that, in tennis and in love, it’s all about the long game.
