Daniil Medvedev’s turbulent season took another dramatic turn as the Russian announced he had split with his longtime coach Gilles Cervara, just days after a first-round meltdown at the US Open. The decision brings an end to one of the most successful partnerships in recent tennis history, with the pair having worked together for nearly a decade.
Medvedev, who captured the 2021 US Open under Cervara’s guidance, also reached five other Grand Slam finals during their time together. The partnership brought him 20 ATP titles, a rise to world number one, and a reputation as one of the most unorthodox yet effective players on tour.
On Instagram, Medvedev reflected on their time together: “Amazing 8-10 years together, 20 titles, world number one but most importantly a lot of fun moments and memories that will stay with us forever.” Cervara responded with his own heartfelt message, writing that he loved training and supporting Medvedev, even through the challenging moments.
The split comes at a low point in Medvedev’s career. He has not won a title since 2023 and has struggled badly at Grand Slam level this season, winning just one match across all four majors. His early exit to Benjamin Bonzi in New York was compounded by a $42,500 fine after an extraordinary outburst sparked when a photographer mistakenly entered the court. That loss is expected to push Medvedev outside the world’s top 15 for the first time in five years.
While Medvedev’s meltdown grabbed headlines, the US Open marched on with a familiar sense of inevitability. Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic both cruised into the quarterfinals, setting up a potential semifinal showdown that tennis fans have been eagerly anticipating.
Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion, produced another sparkling performance to dispatch France’s Arthur Rinderknech in straight sets. “I think my style of tennis suits pretty well the energy here in New York,” said the Spaniard. “The energy is special… I love it and I think that’s why I play my best tennis here.” The 22-year-old will next face Czech 20th seed Jiri Lehecka, who reached his second Slam quarterfinal with a gritty four-set win over Adrian Mannarino.
Djokovic, meanwhile, was clinical in dismantling Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3, 6-3, 6-2. Chasing a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, the Serbian faces a quarterfinal clash with American Taylor Fritz, who is bidding to become the first US men’s Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick in 2003. Djokovic, however, holds a daunting 10-0 record against Fritz.
As Alcaraz and Djokovic continue their march, Medvedev faces an uncertain future. Once a cornerstone of tennis’s new generation, the Russian now begins life without Cervara, hoping a fresh direction can revive his faltering career.
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