After eight years working together, Daniil Medvedev and his coach, Gilles Cervara, have decided to part ways following the Russian’s first-round exit at the US Open.
Medvedev crashed out in his first match at the tournament to Benjamin Bonzi, in what marked a third opening-round exit at a Grand Slam this year.
The former world number one has struggled this season, suffering multiple upset defeats and falling down the ATP rankings to as low as 15th in the world.
In an attempt to recapture his major-winning form, Medvedev has decided to move on from Cervara, who delivered a heartfelt message to him on social media, along with a prediction.
Gilles Cervara’s message to Daniil Medvedev after their split
In a post on Instagram, Cervara wrote: “Daniil, our fantastic eight-season adventure together comes to an end. Like a symbolic wink of life, it’s after this US Open tournament that we end our collaboration.
“I am grateful and happy for all the great things and wonderful experiences we were able to experience together on the court during these eight years. It will remain etched in my memory forever.
“I thank you for placing your trust in me. I gave everything, every second, for our shared goals.
“I loved training you, coaching you, supporting you (even when it was difficult), and finding solutions with you and the team to help you perform.
“I will keep in mind your unconventional magic as a player, which is your strength. It will return, I’m sure. I wish you all the success you aspire to as a player in the future. And a happy life as a man.
“The road continues, work and performance call to each of us… and I wish us both success.”
Daniil Medvedev’s achievements with Gilles Cervara
After taking Medvedev under his wing in 2017, Cervara guided the star to 20 tour-level titles, including a maiden Grand Slam crown.
He helped him reach the final of the US Open in 2019, before assisting him in his 2021 triumph at Flushing Meadows, when he beat Novak Djokovic in the championship match.
Cervara also helped Medvedev reach the spot of world number one in the ATP rankings, a position he held for 16 weeks.
While the tail end of their player-coach relationship did not go to plan, the partnership as a whole was a resounding success.
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