Daniil Medvedev has made a new coaching appointment meant to reduce the workload of the current coach, Gilles Cervara, and it is an interesting choice.
As revealed by Tennis Majors, Medvedev has been working with former World No. 6 Gilles Simon since losing to Jannik Sinner at last month's Australian Open. The Russian's training sessions with Simon were supervised by his longtime coaches, Cervara and Eric Hernandez.
They always say if you can't beat them, then join them. And Medvedev, who owns a losing record head-to-head record against Simon (1-3 on tour), has called on the 39-year-old's services. Like Cervara, Simon is a Frenchman, who completed a 20-year career in 2022.
Cervara has worked with Medvedev since 2017 but is expected to travel in fewer tournaments in 2024. The addition of Simon is meant not just to improve Medvedev's game but to serve as a deputy for Cervara. For now, his exact title within the coaching entourage is not known.
Medvedev, who intends to return to action at next week's Dubai Championships, has enlisted Simon as part of the team and will travel for their first official tournament together there. He spoke very highly of a man who drew 100 unforced errors out of Novak Djokovic during a match at the 2016 Australian Open.
"He is an addition to the team. He is going to help us move forward, help us win titles, and help me become a better player. We see how it goes. So far it has been going good. Hopefully it is for a very long time but that depends on a lot of factors."
"We will see how much time he spends. For sure Gilles Cervara will be more time with me than Gilles Simon. That is how it works because that is how it was. We will see what the future brings as to how many weeks he will be with us."
Simon's tactical intelligence made him a tough counter-puncher even during the late phase of his career, and he famously defeated Medvedev during a semifinal match at London's Queen's Club in 2019. The World No. 4 is aware of his strengths and will look to absorb his wisdom.
"My expectations are that Gilles Simon is a very smart player that can help me improve my game – especially hoping to improve parts of my game that are maybe not the best. So far it’s been going good."
Medvedev will be the top seed in Dubai, looking to defend his title. He missed tournaments in Rotterdam and Doha in February, which cost him his spot as World No. 3.
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