Daniil Medvedev parts ways with long‑time coach Gilles Cervara after US Open meltdown
The 2021 U.S. Open champion and his coach both posted parting messages after a turbulent Grand Slam season that ended with a first‑round exit and a heavy fine
Daniil Medvedev has split with longtime coach Gilles Cervara, the player announced Sunday, ending an “amazing 8-10 years together” that included a U.S. Open title and a run to the top of the ATP rankings.
Both Medvedev and Cervara posted messages on Instagram thanking each other for the partnership. Medvedev wrote, “I am grateful to you for guiding me through all these years and let’s see what life brings us in the future,” while Cervara said he loved coaching and supporting the player during their time together.
The split comes after a difficult season at the Grand Slam events for the 2021 U.S. Open champion. Medvedev has won 20 career titles but has slid to No. 13 in the ATP rankings and suffered first‑round exits in each of the last three majors. His run of early exits included two losses to Benjamin Bonzi, the most recent at this year's U.S. Open.
That match against Bonzi drew extra attention after a photographer entered the court during play and the chair umpire allowed Bonzi an additional first serve. Medvedev erupted in a tirade at the umpire and later smashed his racket; the U.S. Open fined him $42,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct and racket abuse.
Cervara had been part of Medvedev's coaching setup through the player's rise to world No. 1 and his U.S. Open victory in 2021. The coach-player relationship spanned nearly a decade, a period that included multiple ATP titles and deep runs at major tournaments.
Medvedev's recent form and the dramatic finish at Flushing Meadows crystallized a difficult stretch for the top‑level Russian. The first‑round losses in the last three majors are the most pronounced slump of his career, and the public nature of the U.S. Open incident intensified scrutiny on his game and demeanor.
Neither Medvedev nor Cervara provided details on the timing or terms of the split beyond their social media posts. The separation leaves Medvedev searching for new coaching support as he looks to arrest the slide in form and regain consistency at the sport’s biggest events.
Medvedev will have time before the next Grand Slam to arrange his coaching staff. His management and representatives did not immediately issue further comment following the Instagram announcements.