From 1-4 down in the first set to book a spot at the QF of the Australian Open. Well, quite a remarkable comeback for the 30-year-old Elina Svitolina. Isn’t it? It’s her 3rd QF at the AO, the first since 2019! Six years seemed a ‘lifetime ago’ as per her post-match interview though. However, her duty isn’t over yet for the day it seems she has another task in hand before signing off today. And what’s that? Well, returning the favor by cheering for her husband, Gael Monfils from the sidelines!

It’s been quite a journey for the Ukrainian Elina Svitolina. Coming back from a foot surgery after the 2024 US Open, where she was beaten by Coco Gauff, her comeback story at the AO has been remarkable. Following her convincing victories in the first 3 rounds, Elina played Veronika Kudermetova in the pre-quarters at the Rod Laver Arena. Although she started as a favorite to go through, she struggled a little bit at the start, going down 4 games to 1 in the first set. However, she came back strong, winning 5 points in a row to make it 6-4. She carried the momentum in the second set, winning it by 6-1 to seal the match. And with that, she probably returned the favor to her husband Gael Monfils as well.

Following the match, The Tennis Letter uploaded footage of Elina Svitolina’s post-match interview on X, in which she was questioned about her plans to watch her husband’s match. “Well, hopefully court side. But yeah, I have time a little bit to do my recovery and then will be all energy towards his match and its gonna be an epic one I’m sure. So yeah, hopefully you guys can give him big support. I mean playing you know the way he plays right now is special and I feel like you know we are really witnessing something really nice, so yeah,” Elina said. However, what’s the favor that Svitolina has returned to her husband?

Before Elina’s match, Gael Monfils went head-to-head against current No. 4 Taylor Fritz in the third-round match from the Margaret Court Arena, the same arena where the Ukrainian’s match was held later. It was a tough battle though as the match went into four sets. However, the Frenchman won in the end despite losing the first set 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (1), 6-4. As the match ended, it was the turn of his wife to come into the same court for her match against women’s No. 4 seed, Jasmine Paolini.

“I warmed up the court for her,” Monfils said after his match. And what did he do ahead of his fourth round match? Well, he came back to the same arena, but this time in the stands to watch his wife. And as she eliminates the two-time major finalist Paolini  2-6, 6-4, 6-0 at night, she added, ” I got inspired after my husband’s win. I watched a little bit (of his match),” as her husband watches from the stand.

As things stand, Svitolina will now play against No. 19 Madison Keys tomorrow to book her place in the SF. However, on the other side, Gael Monfils will be hoping to do the same as his wife, to reach the QF in style.

Australian Open 2025: Rising from the ashes, Monfils forges ahead, following in his wife’s footsteps

A Grand Slam journey to be remembered for the Frenchman! Gael Monfils is up and running for this year’s AO following his excellent new season beginning from the ASB Classic. On the back of winning the ASB Classic by beating German Zizou Bergs on January 11, Monfils is now playing for a spot in the Happy Slam QF, just like his wife Elina Svitolina. But was the journey to the fourth round straightforward? Well, absolutely not as he survived major upsets!

The 38-year-old started off his AO campaign against fellow countrymen and No. 30 seed Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at Court 3 on January 14. And boy oh boy! What a match it was! Despite winning the first 2 sets, Monfils found himself under pressure as Perricard bounced back in the third and the fourth set to level things up. However, the match ended in the 5th set, as Monfils won the decider 6-4, making it one of the craziest matches in this year’s edition of AO. But, did the hurdles end there for the 38-year-old? Nope! Not really.

In the second match against German opponent Daniel Altmaier, he made 8 double faults, making it tough for him as the match went into a three-set thriller. However, Monfils won it in three straight sets, making it to the third round to face American ace Taylor Fritz. And, the match also filled the expectations of the fans!

In a Saturday afternoon showdown, the Frenchman went head-to-head against Fritz. And what was the start? Well, Monfils found himself trailing in the first set again, as Taylor won by 6-3. And, as everyone was hoping for a Frenchman comeback, the former World No.6 didn’t disappoint. He won the match by winning the last three sets in style, making it to the fourth round of the AO.

As the fourth round match is underway, Monfils will play against another American prodigy, the 22-year-old Ben Shelton from the Margaret Court Arena. With her wife supporting from the stands, can he beat the highflyer and book his place at the AO quarter-finals? Only time will tell!