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'They're adorable': Tennis love match captivates US Open fans

Australian Associated Press

Tennis fans are going wild over the love match that is Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils.

Svitolina booked her spot in the US Open semi-finals on Tuesday, and next it’s Monfils’ turn.

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The fifth-seeded Svitolina reached her second consecutive grand slam semi-final on Tuesday - having not passed the last eight at a major before Wimbledon in July - with a 6-4 6-4 victory over Johanna Konta.

Svitolina's sturdy baseline attack wore down the 16th-seeded Konta, who made 35 unforced errors, 22 more than her opponent, who now holds a 5-0 record over the Briton.

Elina Svitolina won on Tuesday, now it's Gael Monfils' turn. Image: Getty/Twitter
Elina Svitolina won on Tuesday, now it's Gael Monfils' turn. Image: Getty/Twitter

"It feels amazing," Svitolina said of being the first player to reach the semis at the tournament this year.

"It was a very, very tough match ... I think we were both striking the ball. It was quite even."

Monfils watches Svitolina win

Monfils, Svitolina's boyfriend who is the 13th seed on the men's side, sat in the stands, clad in a bright yellow shirt and gym shorts.

The 33-year-old Frenchman will play his quarter-final against Italy's Matteo Berrettini on Wednesday.

Monfils was stoic throughout Svitolina's match - in contrast to his animated, flamboyant, high-energy style of play.

Svitolina won several points that yielded an ovation from her team and the crowd alike.

Gael Monfils, pictured here watches on during Elina Svitolina's match at the US Open.
Gael Monfils watches on during Elina Svitolina's match at the US Open. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

Monfils would merely clap quietly, calmly awaiting the next point.

"He's very different after (he plays) matches," Svitolina said on ESPN's broadcast. "I was surprised, too."

The couple is the first to simultaneously reach the quarter-finals of the US Open in at least a decade.

"We (are having) a great run so far," Monfils said on an earlier broadcast.

Svitolina will play six-times champion Serena Williams on Thursday for a place in her maiden grand slam final.

Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils, pictured here in Dubai in June.
Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils in June. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images for WTA)

Monfils is aiming to return to the semi-finals at Arthur Ashe Stadium for the first time since 2016.

"Definitely we are pushing each other, I think, because we are trying to join each other in the (next round)," Svitolina said with a laugh after her match.

"Now he needs to step his game up."

Fans flocked to social media about Monfils and Svitolina, with some only learning about their romance for the first time.