“That experience at the highest level can help me”: Nishesh Basavareddy details impact of Medvedev’s former coach before Next Gen Finals
ATP
19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy is preparing for his second appearance at the Next Gen ATP Finals, though this time with a new addition to his team: the renowned Gilles Cervara, Daniil Medvedev's long-time coach, who recently parted ways after several years working together.
The young American opted to start his professional career a year ago after qualifying for his first Next Gen ATP Finals at 19. There he achieved his first official ATP level win by defeating Shang Juncheng, but was eliminated in the Round Robin following losses to Luca Van Assche and Alex Michelsen.
Since then, Basavareddy had a 2025 where he tried to adapt to the ATP level. Little by little, the youngster began to make a name for himself on Tour with several good appearances. By January he reached his first ATP semifinal at the ASB Classic—eliminating defending champion Alejandro Tabilo along the way, before falling to the veteran—and eventual champion—Gael Monfils.
A week later he debuted at the Australian Open on Rod Laver Arena against none other than Novak Djokovic. The teenager left good impressions on the 24-time Grand Slam champion and managed to steal a set from Djokovic—leaving the tournament with good feelings and starting to make a name as a threat for the 2025 season.
Throughout the season, Basavareddy tried to gain a spot in the rankings, alternating ATP and Challenger tournaments in search of reaching the top 100, which he achieved around the middle of the season.
After qualifying for the second consecutive year for the Next Gen ATP Finals, Basavareddy announced a few weeks ago that he would add the French coach starting this December. “Obviously he had a long and successful partnership with Daniil, who was a good player before they started working together, but they did a lot of great things together,” Basavareddy told ATPTour.com.
“I thought that experience at the highest level could help me where I’m at in my career. It’s not just the tennis; he’s interested in all aspects. He’s diligent and professional in areas such as nutrition and fitness and that will help me.”
A championship pedigree: Recalling Cervara's success with Medvedev
Cervara spent a long time working with Daniil Medvedev: a total of 8 years, 20 titles, and reaching World No. 1. The Muscovite always highlighted the importance of Cervara's work in his rise on the Tour; however, recent adverse results led him to decide to seek a new path, separating at the end of August—just after the elimination in the first round of the US Open.
“Thank you Gilles ❤️,” Medvedev posted on social media. “Amazing 8-10 years together, 20 titles, world number 1 but most importantly a lot of fun moments and memories that will stay with us forever. I am grateful to you for guiding me through all these years and let’s see what life brings us in the future.”
Cervara was key to Medvedev's growth, accompanying him to six Masters 1000 titles, the 2020 ATP Finals, and the 2021 US Open, in addition to a good number of trophies in ATP 500 and ATP 250 categories. In fact, Cervara was recognized as Coach of the Year in 2019 by the ATP, being key in molding Medvedev's playing style.
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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