“It’s a new adventure for me”: Daniil Medvedev reveals major coaching change ahead of Cincinnati
ATPSaturday, 15 August 2026 at 02:30
Daniil Medvedev arrives at the Cincinnati Open looking for answers after a difficult return to hard-court competition and a new coaching partnership. The former World No. 1 lost his opening match at the Canadian Open to Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, his first hard-court appearance since Wimbledon, before returning to Montreal in a different role in doubles.
The Russian is now working with a new coach, a former Top-40 singles player and Grand Slam doubles finalist who retired in 2024 after a long professional career. Medvedev described the partnership as a new adventure and said he was specifically looking for someone capable of understanding the situation he currently finds himself in.
That situation goes beyond one early loss in Montreal. Medvedev is No. 7 in the ATP Rankings and has not reached a Grand Slam quarter-final since the 2024 US Open. Across his last seven Grand Slam appearances, he has gone 5-7, including four first-round exits, with his only run beyond the opening two rounds coming at the 2026 Australian Open, where he reached the fourth round.
Cincinnati therefore offers Medvedev an important opportunity to rediscover his level before the US Open, where he won his only Grand Slam title in 2021. He has also reached the final in New York in 2019 and 2023 and owns a 33-8 record at the tournament, but his recent major results have made another deep run an increasingly important objective.
Medvedev calls new coaching partnership a “new adventure”
Medvedev confirmed that his new coach is currently working with him on a trial basis, with Cincinnati the immediate focus. His comments suggested that the priority is not making sweeping technical changes but finding someone who can help him deal with the mental side of his current situation.
“We’re going to try it. So, yes, you could say he’s a new coach, but for now our plan is just for Cincinnati," he said to Bolshe!. "We’ll see how it goes. Obviously, this is also a new adventure for me. So far, I really like working with him.”
The coach brings considerable experience from both singles and doubles. He reached a career-high No. 33 in singles and No. 21 in doubles, won the 2010 ATP 500 title at the International German Open, and reached two other ATP finals. He also reached the 2021 French Open doubles final alongside Alexander Bublik, where they lost to French pair Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut. He retired in September 2024 after a career that began in 2005.
For Medvedev, however, the most important quality appears to be understanding rather than credentials. “We’ve spent too little time together so far to say exactly what he’s like as a coach.
"But I definitely tried to find someone who understands me and is capable of helping me, so to speak, in the situation I’m currently in. And, for now, it seems that he might be able to do that. But we’ll see. Only time will tell.”
Cincinnati heat becomes part of Medvedev’s mental test
Medvedev also spoke about Cincinnati’s difficult conditions, including the extreme heat that can become a factor in matches. Rather than treating the weather simply as a physical challenge, he linked the way it feels on court directly to his mental state and his ability to impose himself on an opponent.
“When you’re feeling good mentally and it’s hot, you look at your opponent and he’s dying, and you think, ‘Well, it’s not so bad.’ When you’re not mentally ready for some reason, then it feels hot to you. You look at your opponent and he seems fresh. It’s all connected in tennis.”
That mental element was particularly relevant after his Montreal defeat. Asked whether he had analyzed the loss to Van de Zandschulp, Medvedev rejected the idea that technical analysis could explain what happened, instead pointing to his readiness to compete at the required level.
“There’s nothing to analyze there. One thing is when you’re able to say, ‘I didn’t hit my forehand or backhand well enough,’ or ‘I didn’t serve well enough.’ Another thing is when, for whatever reason, you simply weren’t mentally ready for the match and weren’t ready to show your level on court. That’s no longer a question of the forehand, the backhand or the serve.”
Medvedev will begin his Cincinnati campaign against the winner of Hamad Medjedovic and Marco Trungelliti, with a potential third-round meeting against Brandon Nakashima, the recent Canadian Open finalist. With the US Open approaching, the tournament represents another chance for the Russian to rebuild momentum and address a Grand Slam record that has become one of the clearest unfinished areas of his recent career.
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I mean... what the hell is wrong with you people (WTA) and this pathetic Williams Wildcard Wasting??? THE GIG IS UP -- LET IT GO. THIS IS A HINDRANCE TO YOUNG, DESERVING PLAYERS LOSING OPPORTUNITIES TO THE WILLIAMS SPOTLIGHT SEEKERS. Same goes for media -- STOP with the over-enthusiastic BS promoting of these two. We're laughing at you at this point... except it's no longer funny.
mandoist14-08-2026 - If you're going to copy quotes from another website, you should credit and/or link to that website. Especially if you're a 'journalist' who claims to be "grounded in core journalism ethics". Be better Lucas.JohanSchmidt14-08-2026
- Different venues have noticeably had a variety of obstructions on the courts last season -- and even more junk stashed here and there this season. Only a matter of time before a career is derailed or ended!!mandoist13-08-2026
- Injuries, my ass. She's claimed injuries and been seen the next day scouring the city on foot shopping and eating and shopping. Her goal seems to have been to salvage as many sponsors as possible (even attained a couple new ones). That's been her "game" for awhile now.mandoist11-08-2026
- It’s exhausting as a casual fan to keep up with Raducanu’s “issues” but I can only imagine how difficult it must be for her to have to go through them personally. So many good players with so many injuries lately.DaveyWavey11-08-2026
- It’s amazing how this tournament just cannot catch a break this year. Issue after issue.DaveyWavey11-08-2026
- Loved this article! Huge Capriati fan since childhood and watched most of these ladies throughout their careers. It’s crazy what Hingis was able to do at such a young age especially during the Graf/Seles/Davenport/Williams Sisters era. I also (unfortunately) believe that Raducanu’s run was a weird one-off fluke… but we’ll likely never know now… Thanks for your work. Looking forward to more of your articles.DaveyWavey10-08-2026
- If psychologist Ewa Woydyllo-Osiatynska is your therapist -- perhaps another choice is in order?mandoist10-08-2026
- Perhaps this stupid psychologist should consider having a conversation with Iga. She is out of place to make such bold assumptions!Rapunzel08-08-2026
- Wow!! Haven't seen a Volley-A-Thon like that in a long time. This Bejlik girl has some great stuff. Iga got a hell of a workout.mandoist04-08-2026
Loading