“We’re very lucky that FaceTime exists, but it doesn’t replace anything,” Gael Monfils said last year while expressing his love for daughter Skai. Being a father, it’s always hard to stay away from your child. Monfils is no exception. But then, you have to listen to duty calls too. The Frenchman had a remarkable start to the season with a title win at the ASB Classic. In Melbourne, he was looking good but was ousted in the fourth round. Since then, he’s had a lot of time to spend with wife and WTA star Elina Svitolina and Skai. But tennis called him back this week with the Dubai Tennis Championships. Despite being away, however, his daughter found a way to him. How? Thanks to the mother!

Svitolina took to her Instagram on Tuesday, where she shared a picture of daughter Skai. Guess what she was doing? Well, the little one was busy watching her dad in action in Dubai. It was truly a precious moment, showing the close bond between a father and his daughter. After all, distances can hardly reduce the bond, right?

But sadly, Monfils’ journey at the Dubai Tennis Championships came to a close too soon. Italy’s Matteo Berrettini ousted him in the first round itself with a score line of 7-5, 6-4. With that, his dry run at this event also continued. Even last season, Monfils failed to impress in Dubai, where he was eliminated in the R32. Compatriot Ugo Humbert beat him in a crunch encounter with a score line of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

While his campaign in Dubai may have ended early, it’s surely brought another opportunity for him to spend more time with his daughter. His love for Skai is so great that he even dedicated his title in Auckland to her. But do you know how he expressed his love for her?

When Gael Monfils left a special message for Skai on camera lens

In early January, Gael Monfils went on to become the oldest player to win a tour-level title. At the ASB Classic, being 38 years and 132 days old, the Frenchman beat Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-4 in the final encounter. Despite the heat and tiredness, he was able to make his way to the trophy in Auckland to secure his 13th overall ATP title.

“Age is a number but I keep working. I keep believing that I can play high quality tennis and I’ve been showing it this week, so I’m very happy. It was 20 years ago, I still have the passion to play tennis, I still feel like I strike a very good ball, so hopefully many more to come.” These words came from him as he recalled the time he won his first title two decades back in 2005.

Furthermore, he dedicated his victory to his two-year-old daughter. He simply wrote “For Skai” on the courtside camera’s lens. In the post-match interview, he went on to extend his feelings for her. “She might just wake up now. It’s my second final as a dad, and I’m really happy—super happy that I could win a tough final.” After tying the knot with Svitolina in 2021, and since the time she carried her, he’s always been Skai’s side.

Last year, during an interview with Sky Sports, Svitolina remembered the time Skai was born. She revealed how happy she was to have him “by my side and to have that moment together; I think it stands out by far.” Undoubtedly, there seems to be an endless amount of love in this family for one another. So adorable, isn’t it? What are your thoughts?