Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils reached the US Open mixed doubles semifinals on August 26, 2026, defeating Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten 5-4 (6), 4-5 (3) (10-8). The married tennis couple enters Wednesday’s semifinal against Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli with a chance at a $1 million prize.
Tennis tournaments are rarely family affairs, but the redesigned mixed doubles showcase in New York has turned a high-stakes Grand Slam into an unexpected domestic adventure. For the married couple, the run to the final four represents both a surprising athletic breakthrough and an inevitable deadline as Monfils plays his final tournament before retiring at the end of the season.
From Wild Card Uncertainty to Arthur Ashe Stadium Semifinals
The prospect of lifting a trophy together in New York initially seemed remote. The pair admitted they entered the draw with minimal preparation and zero expectations after receiving wild cards because they were unsure whether they would make the field. They married in 2021 and welcomed their daughter, Skaï, the following year, balancing family life with professional schedules while rarely getting the chance to share a competitive court.
Tactical planning took a backseat to domestic harmony. When we warmed up this morning, yeah, I told my coach it would be amazing if we can win just a few games,
Svitolina said.
That modest outlook shifted quickly once matches began. The couple faced Siniakova and Patten in the quarterfinals. The tight contest ended in a 5-4 (6), 4-5 (3), 10-8 thriller, highlighted by a spectacular athletic retrieval from Monfils during the first-set tiebreak that left his wife and the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd marveling at the shot.
“Yeah, I was like wow, witnessing something unbelievable. I mean, we’ve seen quite few over the years this kind of pickup from him. Yeah, this one was also like one for the books.”
Elina Svitolina, via USA Today
Their combined experience anchors an unlikely run through a draw that featured top-ranked doubles specialists and elite singles stars alike.
Inside the Overhauled US Open Mixed Doubles Format
The current setup of the tournament is a direct result of an overhaul by the U.S. Tennis Association designed to rescue an event that previously struggled for attention. By moving mixed doubles to a two-day event well before the singles main draw begins and offering a $1 million prize, organizers successfully drew marquee names including Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, and Serena Williams.
To protect top players from excessive physical strain, the USTA instituted a compressed scoring format through the first three rounds. Sets are played to just four games, with a tiebreak at 4-all and a 10-point match tiebreak replacing a traditional third set. Only the final will feature traditional sets to six games.
“I will say if we play until basically regular rules, until six games, will be much more difficult.”
Jakub Mensik, via AP News
While the business metrics validate the redesign, the format change drew sharp criticism from doubles specialists. Reigning champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori were part of a field where the U.S. Open tinkered with the format to allow more doubles specialists back in.
Chasing a Milestone Before Retirement
For Monfils, the deep run offers a rare final chapter in a distinguished career. Asked about playing alongside his wife in a high-profile tournament for the first and last time, the French veteran offered a lighthearted summary of their dynamic.
“Happy wife, happy life.”
Gael Monfils, via USA Today
That philosophy has kept the pair grounded as they prepare for their next challenge. They face Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli on Wednesday with a $1 million payday on the line for the tournament champions. Win or lose, the partnership has turned an impromptu wild-card entry into one of the most compelling narratives of the New York fortnight.
