Daniil Medvedev splits with coach Gilles Cervara after eight years following new low at US Open

Sunday, 31 August 2025 at 12:50

byErik Virostko

Daniil Medvedev needed to make a change after a catastrophic US Open, and he did, parting ways with his coach, Gilles Cervara.

It's been some time since Medvedev played his best tennis. He won his last title at the 2023 Italian Open in Rome, uncharacteristically for him, on the clay courts. Since then, he has struggled a lot, but last year, he at least managed to end the year in the Top 5 on the ATP Tour.

This year, however, has been a disaster for the 29-year-old Russian. He only managed to win one Grand Slam match this year, and that was in the first round of the Australian Open against Kasidit Samrej, who has never been inside the Top 300.

After that, he lost five-set battles against Learner Tien in Melbourne and Cameron Norrie at Roland Garros. He then lost twice to Benjamin Bonzi. First in four sets at Wimbledon, and then in five sets at the US Open.

For Medvedev, it's the worst performance at Grand Slams in his tennis career, matching his result from 2017 when he also managed to win only one match.

As a result of his early loss in New York, Medvedev will also fall to his lowest ranking since 2019. He is now expected to drop to at least the World No. 16 position (possibly even lower). He hasn't been ranked that low since February 2019.

However, Medvedev didn't reach a new low only in terms of the rankings. He had a massive outburst during his match at the US Open, which has been one of the biggest controversies at this year's US Open.

It was clear that Medvedev needed a change, and it came. After working together for eight years, Medvedev stopped working with coach Gilles Cervara, ending their partnership. Cervara was first to post a statement on Instagram.

"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."

Shortly after Cervara, Medvedev followed with his own statement, thanking his coach for helping him reach the World No. 1 ranking. It's clear that the two are parting ways on good terms, recognizing that what once worked no longer does.

"Thank you, Gilles. Amazing 8-10 years together, 20 titles, world number 1 but most importantly a lot of fun moments and memories that will stay with us forever. I am grateful to you for guiding me through all these years, and let’s see what life brings us in the future."