(August 25, 2026) FLUSHING MEADOWS, NY – Married couple Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils have never won a singles title at the US Open, but they have the chance to win a title together in mixed doubles at the US Open.
They became the first team to reach the mixed doubles semifinals by defeating regular doubles players Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten 5-4 (6), 4-5 (3) (10-8) on Tuesday.
This is Monfils’ final major tournament before retiring, he and his wife are just two wins away from earning a $1 million dollar paycheck, along with the title. This is Monfils’ final major tournament before retiring.
“Happy wife, happy life,” Monfils said in their post-match on-court interview.
“I mean, would be amazing (to win the tournament)” Monfils said to media. But we are very far. Yeah, it would be something. Nice story, very nice story. But let’s focus to the semifinal first.”
“It has been great experience obviously playing with Elina,” Monfils said. “For me definitely the first time and the last time.”
“Was great day today, unexpectedly I would say,” Noted Svitolina. “But yeah, very happy with two wins. Was great one, also playing against great doubles players in the second match.
“Yeah, just happy to get those wins and be in the semifinal.”
“We had zero expectations,” said Svitolina. “I mean, we practice quite a lot together back at home or on the tournaments. Only yesterday we worked on few things for doubles.
“Yeah, I think, as you mentioned, the chemistry what put us through because we understand each other even by the look at each other’s reaction or kind of mood. We can find the right words for each other, which is great, and I think very helpful in mixed doubles because everything goes super quick. You have no time to be sad and upset.
“Yeah, I think this really put us through these tough, tough matches, especially the second one where we play really experienced players. They kind of, yeah, just were unbelievable in reactions. Everything was great.
“So we’re happy to get through those.”
This is the second year that the US Open has used the new mixed doubles format. Asked if other majors should use it, Monfils said: “What I think is good is I love this format, but what I like also is every slam choose something different. I’m not, like, someone say that we should copy. We go to the Australia, the one-point challenge was great idea. The players, they had fun.”
“Paris actually it was a little bit different. It was a little bit me with my farewell tour in a way. And here again this.
“I feel like it’s a great ideas, but I like creativity from slams. Keep it open for them.”
More to follow….
