PARIS — Gilles Cervara, the longtime coach who guided Daniil Medvedev to a US Open title and the world No. 1 ranking, has publicly addressed their sudden and surprising split for the first time, citing a need for new challenges after a tumultuous period that culminated in Medvedev’s controversial first-round exit at the 2024 US Open.
The tennis world was stunned in late September when Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion and 2023 finalist, announced he and Cervara were ending their highly successful eight-year partnership. The news came just weeks after Medvedev was fined $14,000 for an angry courtside outburst during his five-set loss to unseeded Australian Max Purcell.
In an exclusive interview with L'Équipe, Cervara broke his silence, stating the decision was a mutual one born from a sense of completion. "We reached the end of a cycle. After eight years, we felt we had accomplished everything we set out to do and more," Cervara explained. "Sometimes, to continue growing, a change is necessary for both the player and the coach."
The US Open Incident: A Catalyst for Change
While Cervara was careful not to pin the split solely on one event, he acknowledged that Medvedev’s behavior during the US Open was a significant moment. During the match, a frustrated Medvedev slammed his racket repeatedly, yelled toward his player's box, and received a point penalty for an audible obscenity. The display was widely criticized and resulted in the substantial fine from tournament officials.
Cervara described the incident as part of a broader pattern of frustration they had been struggling to manage. "The US Open was a difficult moment, of course. Daniil’s emotions are a part of his fire, but there is a line. We had been working on controlling that, and in that match, it boiled over. It was a symptom of a larger need for a reset."
A Partnership Forged in Success and Struggle
Cervara, who began working with Medvedev when the Russian was ranked outside the top 50, was the architect behind his charge's meteoric rise. Together, they crafted a unique and effective game plan that led to:
- The 2021 US Open title, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final.
- 20 ATP Tour titles, including six ATP Masters 1000 crowns.
- Reaching the World No. 1 ranking for the first time in February 2022.
- Reaching five other Grand Slam finals (Australian Open 2021, 2022; US Open 2023).
Their relationship was known for its intense, sometimes fiery, practice sessions and in-box discussions. Cervara was known for pushing Medvedev to his physical and mental limits, a method that yielded incredible results but also contributed to the high-pressure environment.
The Search for a New Direction
Cervara revealed that conversations about their future had been ongoing for several months. The coach expressed a personal desire to explore new projects and work with other players, potentially at his academy in France. He emphasized there was no single argument that ended the partnership, but rather a shared understanding that their journey together had reached its natural conclusion.
"We spoke many times, very honestly," Cervara said. "It was a process. We achieved the ultimate goals: a Grand Slam, the number one ranking. The motivation evolves after that. Daniil needs a new voice to find that next level, and I am ready for a new chapter myself."
What's Next for Medvedev and Cervara?
Medvedev has since begun a trial period with former French player Julien Benneteau, who joined his team for the Asian swing in late September. The Russian has stated he is taking his time to find a permanent coaching solution. Cervara, meanwhile, plans to take a short break from the tour before focusing on developing young talent.
Despite the split, Cervara’s admiration for his former protégé remains undiminished. He concluded the interview with a heartfelt reflection on their time together: "I am incredibly proud of what we built. Daniil is a unique talent and a fierce competitor. I have no doubt he will continue to achieve great things."
The end of the Medvedev-Cervara era marks a significant shift in the landscape of men's tennis coaching. Their split underscores the immense psychological pressures of the modern game and how even the most successful partnerships can run their course, often accelerated by public moments of high-stakes turmoil like the one witnessed in New York.