London | Babies are trending... | Tennis Threads Magazine

Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils have welcomed their first child this week, posting on social media: “Welcome to the world my little princess.”

I had the most amazing night of my life, which ended with the most beautiful gift around 6:00Am. Elina was strong and brave💪🏾🙏🏾 I can't t thx enough my wife and God for this special moment 🙏🏾 Welcome to the world my little princess SKAÏ ❤️ Gael Monfils

The couple, who married in July last year, announced the arrival of their daughter on Saturday morning with the new father describing his baby as ‘my little princess’.

Former World No 3 Svitolina and Monfils revealed in May earlier this year that they were expecting their first child and, on Saturday, the ‘most beautiful gift’ arrived with the new mother tweeting: “What a night !!! Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to Skaï Monfils.

“Can’t thanks enough my husband to live thru this unforgettable moment with me ❤️”

WTA players Angelique Kerber, Belinda Bencic, Marta Kostyuk, Sabine Lisicki, Lesia Tsurenko and retired Johanna Konta were among those who quickly responded to Svitolina’s Instagram post with congratulations.

Gael Monfils and his wife Elina Svitolina announced the birth of their baby girl at the weekend

Monfils, the proud father and former World No 6 also took to Twitter to announce the birth of his daughter.

“I had the most amazing night of my life, which ended with the most beautiful gift around 6:00Am,” he wrote. “Elina was strong and brave I can t thx enough my wife and God for this special moment Welcome to the world my little princess SKAÏ ❤️”

Ukrainian Svitolina, who last played at the Miami Open in March this year, has yet to confirm if she will return to playing competitive tennis following the birth of her daughter.

Monfils, meanwhile, missed the US Open due to a foot injury and his come-back has also yet to be confirmed.

The 36-year-old Frenchman also missed 3 months of action earlier this year, including the French Open, after undergoing a minor operation on his right foot.

“I consider myself lucky in my misfortune because I can spend precious moments with my wife and accompany her in the last weeks of her pregnancy,” he wrote in September. “You will understand that I should adapt my recovery date due to this happy event to come, but I will be sure to give you more details soon.”

Rafael Nadal, seen here with his mother Ana Maria Parera (C) and wife Xisca Perello at the 10th anniversary of Rafa Nadal Foundation in Madrid last year, announced the birth of his son on Saturday

Skaï Monfils is the second ‘tennis baby’ to be born in the past week, as Rafael Nadal and his wife Mery ‘Xisca’ Perello, also became first-time parents last Saturday at home in Palma de Mallorca.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner has not yet revealed the name of his new-born son, but said in a message on Twitter: “Hello everyone. After a few days and many loving messages I just wanted to thank you all!

“We are very happy and everyone is very well! A big hug.”

The couple have been married for 3 years and have been together since they were teenagers.

Nadal has always declared that he would like to have children, and now, at the age of 36, he will take up the role of father.

Novak Djokovic sent Nadal a message after hearing the news. “Congrats! I didn’t know. Really? It’s beautiful news. I wish his wife and baby a lot of health and happiness. As a father, I’m not gonna give any advice (smiling) to him.

“He has a big family. I’m sure he will experience himself (smiling).”

Andy Murray appeared on the Spanish sports radio show El Larguero and was asked about Rafael Nadal becoming a father.

Murray, who is also married and a father to 4 children, knows very well how it feels to be a parent and a pro tennis player at the same time.

“I think he [Nadal] and his partner had their first kid a few days ago, so it will be interesting to see whether that increases the motivation levels or whether he reduces the amount he is competing now, I don’t know,” Murray said, according to Sportskeeda.

While enjoying himself with the family, Nadal is said to be back on the practice court, working on his game and hoping to get back at 100% for Paris and Turin.

Daniil Medvedev, seen posing with his wife Daria Medvedeva (R) in Paris Bercy, also announced the arrival of their baby girl

Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev and his wife, Daria, have also welcomed their first child.

The 26-year old 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, announced that his wife Daria gave birth to a baby girl on Friday: “Welcome to the world baby girl,” Medvedev captioned his Instagram post.