After eight seasons of collaboration, Daniil Medvedev and Gilles Cervara have officially parted ways. Their journey, which began in 2017, has been one of remarkable growth, triumphs, and resilience. Under Cervara’s guidance, Medvedev rose to the pinnacle of tennis, claiming a US Open title, six Masters 1000 trophies, and spending 16 weeks as world number one.
The Rise of Medvedev Under Cervara
Initially working alongside Julien Jeanpierre and Jean-Rene Lisnard, Medvedev chose to continue solely with Cervara in late 2017. The decision proved fruitful. In 2018 and 2019, Medvedev captured seven ATP titles, including two Masters 1000 victories. His crowning moment came in 2021 when he won the US Open, defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets. The Russian’s consistency and tactical brilliance were often credited to Cervara’s meticulous coaching style.
Challenges and Turning Points
Despite a strong start to 2023, where Medvedev won five titles from six finals, his momentum waned. He failed to secure another ATP title after Rome that year and lost six consecutive finals, including two Grand Slam appearances. In 2025, his only final came in Halle, and his performance at the US Open was marred by emotional outbursts and a dramatic defeat. These struggles signaled a need for change.
Cervara’s Farewell Message
Following the US Open, Cervara shared a heartfelt message reflecting on their time together:
“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. See you soon ■! Daniil”
Looking Ahead
As Medvedev prepares for the next chapter of his career, the tennis world watches with anticipation. The end of this partnership marks a significant shift, but also opens the door to new possibilities. Cervara, too, steps forward into fresh challenges, carrying with him the legacy of a coaching journey that helped shape one of the sport’s most enigmatic talents.
Daniil Medvedev in 2025
At the moment ranked no.13, Medvedev played his last match on the 24th of August when he lost to world no.51 Benjamin Bonzi 6-3 7-5 6-7(5) 0-6 6-4 in the 1st round of the U.S. Open (draw).
Currently, during this year the Russian owns an overall 26-18 win-loss record. Daniil Medvedev’s most significant performance of the current season was getting to the final in Halle.