Svitolina and Monfils go on relationship hiatus

After making it through a rough 2020, a preseason of training in Spain and a two-week quarantine apart, tennis' golden couple Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils have decided to take a break from each other.

The news was announced on Instagram.

"Gael and I decided to take a break from our relationship," Svitolina wrote. "The decision was incredibly difficult, because we still have love for each other, but it's just two best friends realizing it's time to take some space and help each other live the most joyous, fulfilled life as possible."

The split has come as a shock to many as Svitolina recently comforted Monfils after a first-round loss at the Australian Open that left him in tears. Following the Ukrainian's opening round victory over Marie Bouzkova, she wrote "Gael" with a heart on the camera lens and blew a kiss. She'd write "GEMS" after her next win.

The couple that has been a staple on tour for years has also deleted their joint Instagram account, G.E.M.S Life. Monfils and Svitolina let everyone know they will not be commenting further and asked fans to respect their privacy.

Monfils can't seem to catch a break as he hasn't won a match since last February. He's taken six first-round losses with the latest coming at the hands of world No. 86 Emil Ruusuvuori in a gut-wrenching battle in Melbourne.

“I would like to get out of this nightmare, but I can’t,” Monfils said in his post-match presser.

The 34-year-old admitted he is struggling with confidence. Meanwhile, Svitolina managed to reach the round of 16 before falling to American Jessica Pegula.

The unsettling breakup news didn't just affect the couple, but also world No. 14 Milos Raonic. The Canadian took to Twitter after a long hiatus from the social media app.

Starting March 1, Monfils is set to compete in Rotterdam while Svitolina will play in Doha.