After a disastrous end to his Grand Slam season at the US Open, Daniil Medvedev decided to make a change in his coaching team.
Medvedev parted ways with Gilles Cervara, his longtime coach who guided him to a maiden major title in 2021.
The Russian had endured a disappointing season in 2025, in which he had fallen outside the top ten for the first time since 2023.
He failed to make it past the second round of a Grand Slam, recording three first-round exits, which urged him to ultimately split with Cervara.
Medvedev, who has seen a return to form since appointing Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, recently discussed his current relationship with his former mentor.
Daniil Medvedev talks about his relationship with Gilles Cervara
Pinpointing the moment he decided to split with Cervara in an interview with Bolshe, the former number one said: “We were in Europe. I guess for a while I had already been thinking about it, but unconsciously.
“Consciously, I realised it after the US Open. It was a difficult time. I had some tough losses in the US and I realised it was the moment I needed to try something new.
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“I talked with him and it was a great conversation between two adults who understand everything, and who are very happy about what they have achieved together.
“I think the relationship between us will forever be great. If he finds a new player to work with, I will not wish failure upon this player; only if I play against him.
“Judging by his interviews that I read, these feelings are mutual.”
Daniil Medvedev discusses the appointment of his new coaches
Discussing his search for a new coach after splitting with Cervara, Medvedev said: “It as an interesting experience, because, in my adult life, it has never happened to me before.
“It’s interesting because for a moment you become the boss of your own business. I called a lot of people. I was interested in their opinion of me as a player. Not as a person because, after all, it is about tennis.
“For various reasons, many refused. With those who agreed, we talked about how they see my game and how they would work with me, and that’s it, I chose Thomas and Rohan.”
With Johansson and Goetzke in his corner, Medvedev enjoyed a much-improved Asian swing, in which he reached the semifinals of the China Open and the Shanghai Masters.
Medvedev then ended his 882-day title drought by winning the Almaty Open.
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