ATP Tour

Married couple Monfils & Svitolina from 'zero expectations' to US Open SFs

It was a happy day for the married couple of the US Open mixed doubles event.

Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina did not expect much of their run in the tournament, but they are now two wins from lifting a major trophy. The husband and wife ousted Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alexandra Eala 4-1, 4-1 before beating Henry Patten and Katerina Siniakova 5-4(6), 4-5(3), 10-8 to reach the semi-finals.

“[It] was a great day today, unexpectedly I would say,” Svitolina said, cracking a smile. “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 semi-finals.”

Monfils explained that it was a great experience taking to the court with his wife. The Frenchman even joked that it was “for me definitely the first and the last time”.

“I had a tonne of fun. I think we will have great images for our memory,” Monfils said. “I should say we came out there with low expectations, and I think we played two good games, so we're very happy with it.”

Svitolina spoke to her coach about simply trying to win games. They did that and much more, and now will try to go all the way Wednesday at Flushing Meadows.

“We had zero expectations. I mean, we practise quite a lot together back at home or on the tournaments. Only yesterday we worked on few things for doubles,” Svitolina said. “The chemistry [was] 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 [that is] very helpful in mixed doubles because everything goes super quick. You have no time to be sad and upset.”