“The biggest advantage is the good connection we have together,” Daniil Medvedev’s coach on reasons behind their successful partnership
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Daniil Medvedev
The importance of a coach in tennis is often understated. A coach plays a vital part in the success of a player and is responsible for evaluation of every aspect of a player’s life, which includes their performance during matches, training and even their diet. Daniil Medvedev should consider himself lucky enough to have a good coach to mentor his professional career.
Medvedev has been working with Gilles Cervara as his coach since 2017. Together, they have forged an incredible partnership and much they have achieved good amount of success together. One of the reasons for their success is the Russian relocation to France, where Cervera runs an academy called ‘Elite Tennis Centre’ in Cannes.
“There are so many points to explain why our partnership is a success. I would say the main point is the good connection we have together. This connection is a mix between many things: I think I understand Daniil, the way he thinks, the way he works,” said Cervara on his partnership with Medvedev.
To find the best way he can work, the best way he can play: Cervara on his coaching style
Gilles Cervara has stated that he gives plenty of freedom to Daniil Medvedev which gives the confidence to execute his skills on court. “I think our connection is a good one to make him be at his optimal level all the time. To find the best way he can work, the best way he can play, and to put him in the best conditions to prove his quality – I think that’s a part of my coaching, to make him succeed,” Cervara added.
Cervara has transformed Daniil Medvedev into an exceptional player. A testament to the fact is the Russian’s incredible run at the Paris Masters and the Nitto ATP Finals, where he won both the titles in succession. At the Nitto ATP Finals, Medvedev beat the likes of Djokovic, Nadal and Thiem, on his way to the title. He finished the year as the World number four, ahead of Roger Federer.
Gilles Cervara was awarded the ATP Coach of the year in 2019 and is nominated for the same award in 2020 as well. He can create history by becoming the first person to win the award in consecutive years.
Also Read: Daniil Medvedev reacts to finally being ‘reunited’ with his Nitto ATP Finals 2020 trophy
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Nirmit Mehta
(2425 Articles Published)