Hubert Hurkacz may be entering a new phase in his coaching setup after being seen working alongside Gilles Cervara during preparations at the Madrid Open. The French coach, best known for his long-term partnership with Daniil Medvedev, was present during Hurkacz’s recent training session, offering instructions and guidance on court.
The development follows Hurkacz’s recent decision to end his collaboration with Nicolas Massu, a partnership that lasted roughly 15 months. The Polish player confirmed the split in late March, bringing to a close a period marked by both promising results and recurring physical setbacks.
At 29, Hurkacz is currently ranked world No. 63, a significant drop from his previous peak inside the top 10. His recent trajectory has been shaped by inconsistency and injury, factors that have limited his ability to maintain momentum across the ATP calendar.
The timing of Cervara’s presence is notable. Hurkacz is competing this week in Madrid and is expected to continue his clay campaign through Rome and Roland Garros, making any potential coaching adjustment particularly relevant during this stretch of the season.
Cervara’s profile and recent coaching transition
Cervara arrives with established credentials on the ATP Tour, having guided Daniil Medvedev to the world No. 1 ranking, the 2021 US Open title and multiple Masters 1000 trophies across an eight-year partnership between 2017 and 2025. His work during that period earned him the ATP Coach of the Year award in 2019 and positioned him among the most influential figures on the Tour.
Following that split, Cervara took on a new project in December 2025, joining the team of American prospect Nishesh Basavareddy, then a rising player who had reached a career-high ranking inside the top 100 and qualified for the Next Gen ATP Finals for a second consecutive season.
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The collaboration, however, proved short-lived. Cervara ended his partnership with Basavareddy in early April 2026, after approximately four months working together, marking a brief transitional phase in his post-Medvedev career.
His presence alongside Hubert Hurkacz in Madrid therefore represents a potential return to working with an established ATP-level contender. For Cervara, it signals a shift back toward top-tier competition, while for Hurkacz it suggests a move toward a more structured and system-oriented coaching approach at a critical stage of the season.
Hurkacz’s recent struggles and coaching transition
Hurkacz’s split from Massu followed a mixed period that began with optimism. The Chilean coach joined his team at the start of 2025, alongside Ivan Lendl in an advisory role, with the aim of pushing the Pole towards consistent contention at the highest level.
“I am very grateful to Nico for all the dedication, hard work and time we spent together during the most challenging times in my career," the 29-year-old player posted on his social media. "We have decided to move on, and go our separate ways. Thank you again for everything!”
The partnership showed early signs of promise at the beginning of the season, particularly at the United Cup, where Hurkacz delivered multiple top-10 victories and helped Poland secure the title. However, his form declined after that event, with a first-round exit at the Australian Open followed by a sequence of seven consecutive losses.
His clay-court season has so far been limited to Monte Carlo, where he reached the Round of 16 before losing to Valentin Vacherot. That remains his only appearance on the surface heading into Madrid, where he is set to open against a qualifier, with a potential second-round match against sixth seed Lorenzo Musetti.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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