Famous Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina has shared her thoughts on the sports future of her young daughter, Skai, whom she raises with her husband Gael Monfils. In a candid conversation on the Tennis Insider Club podcast, the athlete admitted that despite the child's constant presence at tennis tournaments and her genuine interest in the game, she would prefer a different path for her daughter.
The influence of the tennis atmosphere on a child
According to the Ukrainian star, Skai has been surrounded by tennis almost since birth because her parents constantly take her to competitions around the world. The girl is already used to this atmosphere, actively supports her mother and father before matches, and even records funny motivational video messages urging them to beat their opponents. However, the celebrity parents initially planned to introduce the toddler to completely different sports to protect her from the specifics of the professional tour.
The price of big victories and parental fears
The main reason for this decision lies in the colossal workload, stress, and sacrifices that every professional athlete has to endure. Elina Svitolina emphasized that behind bright titles and winning emotions lie years of hard work, physical pain, and moral trials. Having gone through this difficult path at the highest world level, the tennis player sincerely does not want her child to face similar hardships.
Freedom of choice and alternative hobbies
Despite the mother's personal wishes, the parents are not going to put pressure on Skai or forcibly restrict her interests. If the girl firmly decides in the future to pick up a racket and take up tennis professionally, Svitolina and Monfils will support her choice. At the same time, the family is actively considering other sports disciplines for the harmonious development of the child, among which golf is already sparking special interest in the girl.
