"I can't afford to be frustrated because he made the match last," Svitolina reflects on Monfils' victory
Elina Svitolina has advanced to the third round at Roland-Garros. The Ukrainian defeated Anna Bondar in two tight sets (7-6, 7-5) and will face Bernarda Pera, who upset Caroline Garcia and Donna Vekic, for a spot in the round of 16.
During the press conference, the world No. 14 was asked about her husband, Gaël Monfils, who had won a marathon match the previous evening against Hugo Dellien in the night session on Court Philippe-Chatrier (4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6, 6-1).
"To be honest, with Gaël, we don’t ask to play on the same day. It depends on the tournaments, whether we’re in the top or bottom half of the draw. I just try to adjust my training sessions around Gaël’s matches.
I prefer playing on the same day as him because it’s better for both of us to have a full day of rest when we’re not playing. It’s like we’re playing every day—we support each other mentally, and it feels like playing a second match.
That’s why I prefer playing on the same day as him, just at different times. But that’s how it is in this tournament. It’s fine this way. It wasn’t ideal that he finished late, but generally, I’m not someone who goes to bed early.
During a tournament, it’s always tricky to fall asleep. But I’m really happy with his performance and how he fought. I can’t afford to be frustrated because he made the match last. I fully support him, no matter what time he plays," Svitolina told *L’Équipe*.
For context, the 38-year-old Frenchman, who tied the record for most Roland-Garros wins by a French player (40, same as Yannick Noah), will face Jack Draper on Thursday evening, again in the night session.
