Daniil Medvedev's coach Gilles Cervara has explained the process towards getting the former number one back on track in 2023.
In an exclusive interview with Tennis Majors, Cervara explained some of the challenges that faced Medvedev after a difficult start to the season. The Russian player was knocked out of the Australian Open in the third round by Sebastian Korda, but he has since won three consecutive tournaments
Victory at the Rotterdam Open was followed by success at the Qatar Open and the Dubai Championships as the 27-year-old picked himself up from the setback in Melbourne.
"When he comes back from Australia, the two weeks of training are very complicated because he has no confidence. He’s not winning, he doesn’t feel good, he doesn’t feel anything and you have to deal with that. That’s the beauty of the job, especially when it works at the back, but for a fortnight you have to navigate in a very uncertain space."
Rebuilding Medvedev's confidence has been essential for Cervara, who admitted he has taken a step back to be less vocal from the stands during matches.
Ultimately, Cervara praised Medvedev's current upturn in form on the player's attitude and approach.
"Once it’s in, once it’s on, everything that happens behind it, all the victories, it’s him, it’s just him. That’s where it starts and then it goes up in flames. Right now it’s a meteorite, it’s catching fire and it’s continuing its trajectory by being ignited. The question becomes: how long will it last? We have to make sure it lasts as long as possible and that it can continue there, in the Masters 1000. If the French Open is now, we win the French Open!
The Indian Wells tournament is up next for Medvedev and the former world number one will attempt to win the competition for the first time and try to seal his fourth title of 2023.
Cervara believes the momentum will be beneficial for Medvedev and the coach said the Russian player is determined to win Indian Wells this time around.
" It gives a lot of hope and expectation. That he’s going there to win and that there’s a hopefulness that’s emerging from the context, yes, absolutely."
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