WATCH: Gael Monfils’ emotional tribute to the ladies in his life – his mother, wife Elina, daughter Skai

Shahida Jacobs
Elina Svitolina Gael Monfils and Sylvette Cartesse celebrate
Gael Monfils with his wife Elina Svitolina and mother Sylvette Cartesse

It was a week to remember for Gael Monfils at the Stockholm Open and he was delighted that the special ladies in his life could enjoy the historic moment with him, although one was watching on television.

Monfils ended his title drought on Sunday as he defeated qualifier Pavel Kotov 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 in two hours and 35 minutes in the ATP 250 final to lift his first trophy since January 2022.

The Frenchman also made history in the process as he became the oldest title winner in Stockholm at the age of 37 while he is also the 11th player to win the trophy twice having also lifted the title back in 2012. The 12-year gap between his two trophies is also the biggest in history.

On a personal level, it was Monfils’ first title as a father as he followed in his wife Elina Svitolina’s footsteps. Svitolina gave birth in October last year to their daughter Skai and then won her first title as a parent in May.

World No 25 Svitolina and Monfils’ mother Sylvette Cartesse were in an attendance at the Kungliga tennishallen on Sunday to watch the Frenchman lift his 12th ATP singles title.

Meanwhile, baby Skai wasn’t in the arena, but watched on TV.

“Special week for me with three ladies. My mom, thank you. As always it’s nice to win a title in front of her, the last one was in Metz so I hope she is happy,” he started off.

“My wife Elina, thank you. The last one my daughter Skaï who’s watching in front of the TV. It’s my first time as a father that I have won a tournament so it is very special to do it in front of those three together so thank you.”

Monfils also paid tribute to 24-year-old Kotov, who was playing in his maiden ATP Tour singles final.

“Credit to Pavel,” he said. “He has had an unbelievable week and he was pushing me on the court. I ran a lot today. When I had to save break points in the second set, I tried to push through.

“I don’t know how I pulled up but I kept believing and fighting.”

Former world No 6 Monfils climbed back into the top 100 of the ATP Rankings following his title run and now sits at No 89 while Kotov moved up to 28 places to a career-high of No 81.

READ MORE: Power couple Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina share birthday wishes for their daughter Skai

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