"Working with Gilles Simon caused disruptions" - Gilles Cervara, ex-coach of Daniil Medvedev hints at origin of the Russian's regression

Former World No.1 Daniil Medvedev recently parted ways with long-time coach Gilles Cervara after an abysmal showing at the 2025 US Open. The Russian has struggled to maintain his form over the past year, and Cervara opened up on why the two decided to end their collaboration.

Medvedev entered the US Open after a poot showing during the North American hardcourt season. The former US Open champion reached the quarterfinals at the DC Open in July, but failed to go past the second round in Toronto and Cincinnati.

With momentum not on his side, Medvedev faced Benjamin Bonzi in the first round at Flushing Meadows. However, the Frenchman scored an upset victory, defeating the 2021 champion in five sets.

A few days after his loss in New York, Medvedev announced he would be parting ways with coach Cervara, who had been guiding the Russian since 2017. In his first comments since the split, Cervara shed some light on why both men decided to go their separate ways.

The Russian had been showing signs of Regression for some of last year and most of the 2025 season. Medvedev had a brief coaching relationship with retired French player Gilles Simon, but there was no obvious improvement.

"Results are only the visible part of a larger reality—his personal life, family, daily work, goals, team," began Cervara. "In the visible realm, things started declining after Melbourne. But looking back, maybe it was already too late. Every attempt to revive things failed because the deeper causes had taken root. The energy and structure weakened.
"Working with Gilles Simon (February 2024–January 2025) caused what I called “static,” disruptions, and afterward we tried to restore things—but recovery was difficult. I’d even say it didn’t succeed. At that time, post‑Australia after Simon’s departure, we tried to rebuild and start from scratch.
"In tennis terms, it was all very sluggish. I’m not saying he’s playing great now, but he has resources. I believe with what he will put in place, his level can come back quickly. After Australia, we went into reconstruction. That phase dragged into the whole season—we never got back on the winning track."

Cervara would clarify that both he and Simon tried to deliver the same message to Medvedev, although each man used a different approach. However, an imbalance was created that to the Russian's current form. Nonetheless, Cervara stated he and Medvedev parted on good terms, and he believes the 27-year old still has it in him to regain his Grand Slam-winning form.