Daniil Medvedev's former coach lands job with American prospect Nishesh Basavareddy

Tennis fans will have to get used to Gilles Cervara sit in a different players box from 2026 onwards. After being a synonymous figure in the Daniil Medvedev camp, his attention has now switched to young American talent Nishesh Basavareddy.

The Frenchman had worked with Medvedev since 2017, creating a brilliant partnership between the pair. The Russian would go on to taste Grand Slam success at the 2021 US Open and become world number one in 2022 for a combined total of 16 weeks. He also made another five major finals, won the 2020 ATP Finals and overall collected 20 singles titles.

However, the bubble would eventually burst. Medvedev endured a torrid 2025 campaign, struggling on court and letting his anger and annoyance get the better of him at times. His Grand Slam results were pitiful. He managed just one win spanning over the four events, coming in the Australian Open first round where just managed to fend off wildcard Kasidit Samrej before losing out in five sets to Learner Tien. Three consecutive first round defeats followed, and he only made one final with his last taste of glory coming in 2023.

Following a US Open campaign where Medvedev made it into the headlines for all the wrong reasons, he made the decision to part ways with Cervara. This looked to have been a good move for both parties. While Cervara has now got a new prodigy which he will attempt to mould into a successful tennis player, Medvedev's form has improved vastly. He ended his title drought with success in the Almaty Open while going deep in the final two Masters 1000 events.

It is a new opportunity for Cervara to work his magic once more. He will be hoping for a blossoming relationship with the 20-year-old who is looking towards 2026 to continue his progress.

“I’m thrilled about this project with a healthy player and environment, eager to build something after many months without a structure. He’s a young man who isn’t confined to the United States and wants to work with a French coach. It’s a great adventure. There are quite a few things to accomplish in relation to my coaching profile,” Cervara said reacting to the appointment.

Basavareddy has emerged onto the ATP Tour in 2025. He made an impact in the ASB classic, making it to the semi-finals before being defeated by Gael Monfils. He was not fortunate to get an easy draw for his Grand Slam debut in the Australian Open, coming up against 10-time champion Novak Djokovic. Despite taking a surprising lead, he was ultimately pegged back and lost in four sets.

His progress slightly dipped from here. He was regularly getting knocked out in the early stages of events, including Challenger tournaments. He struggled to find momentum and could not finish the year on a strong suit, peaking too early Down Under. His season culminated in a Challenger event in Olbia, Italy, where he lost at the first hurdle. This was back in mid-October, and he has not stepped onto the court since.

However, he will make a return to the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah. The event which pitches the brightest talents on the ATP Tour will be fiercely competed by Basavareddy along with seven other hot prospects including Jakub Mensik and Learner Tien. Last year's champion Joao Fonseca will not be participating, possibly opening the door for Basavareddy. He failed to make it out of the group in last year's edition as he was defeated in a winners qualify clash against Luca Van Assche.