Gael Monfils has leapt to the defence of his tennis star wife after she received ‘venomous’ backlash following the announcement of the pair’s marriage breakdown.Elina Svitolina, 32, attributed the mental toll of the war in her native Ukraine for the separation of one of tennis’ most high-profile relationships, insisting the conflict had given her a fresh perspective of what she wants from life.That prompted a volatile response online towards the world No6, as did her later revelation that the end of her marriage to Monfils had led to the 40-year-old deciding to retire earlier than planned. The Frenchman had been due to bow out at the Paris Masters in November. However, his second-round US Open exit at the hands of Learner Tien ended up being his final professional appearance on a tennis court. Gael Monfils has leapt to the defence of his wife Elina Svitolina following their break up Svitolina has been hit with backlash after saying the mental toll of her native Ukraine’s war with Russia is one of the reasons behind their marriage breakdownMonfils, who shares a four-year-old daughter with Svitolina, has hit back at critics of his soon-to-be ex-wife, saying on Instagram: ‘Even though she did not owe anyone an explanation, Elina chose to speak vulnerably and truthfully about her reasons for this decision. ‘She did so in the best way she knew how. Many decided that her explanation wasn’t perfect enough and Elina has now faced a kind of criticism that I have found unkind at best and venomous at worst.’Elina and I may no longer be a couple, but we are still a family. Though my heart hurts, I am forever grateful to her for her support and love over the years. ‘While I am deeply grateful that the public feels so invested in my happiness, I have found the lack of grace and kindness shown towards Elina upsetting. ‘While some may not understand her reasons, or agree with them, please remember that there is so much more that happens in a relationship behind the curtain that cannot be explained in a post. ‘Elina has her battles to fight, just as I have mine. I respect her choices and reasons, and we will continue to support and care deeply about each other, especially as two people who share a child.’ Svitolina and Monfils had joined forces on the court to reach the US Open mixed doubles semi-final last month, having impressed at the tournament before falling to Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli in the final four.The Ukrainian was most recently in action at the Wuhan Open, where she fell to Britain’s Sonay Kartal in the quarter final. Monfils hit out at critics who felt her explanation was not ‘perfect enough”This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to share,’ she wrote of her marriage break-up on social media. ‘Everyone knows how much Ukraine means to me. What I have rarely spoken about is what the war has done to me inside.’With time, I came to understand that I need to find my way back to myself and that I cannot do that within our marriage.’It is the hardest truth I have ever had to face and the hardest thing I have ever had to tell the person I love. Gael listened. He has respected what I need with a strength and grace I will never forget.’She added: ‘Skai will always come first. Our marriage is ending, but our family is not.’Please know that there is no one to blame here. There are only two people who loved each other deeply and a story that is changing shape.’