“Stay Focused”: Daniil Medvedev’s Coach Eyes For Title After Win Over Novak Djokovic in ATP Finals 2020

Daniil Medvedev has stunned everyone with his impeccable tennis in the recent past. After winning the 2020 Rolex Paris Masters, he is in the last 4 at the ATP Finals in London. The 24-year-old, in the course of the season, also replaced Roger Federer at World No. 4. The Russian’s coach, Gilles Cervara, reflected upon the progress and the plan ahead.

It has not been an easy year for tennis players as the tournament resumed with strict restrictions. However, planning ahead of time, Daniil and Coach Cervara shared a house with a tennis court and continued training.

Anticipating the lockdown news, Cervara told Daniil, “I think we need to find a house with a tennis court. So, we stayed together, his wife and my wife and my dog in the same house for 2 months. So, it was funny, but he was good.”

“Extra special”: Cervara on Daniil Medvedev beating Djokovic

Cervara and Daniil have been working together for 3 years now. Since then, the 24-year-old has won 8 ATP titles, including 3 Masters 1000 crowns. However, competing in ATP Finals for the first time and beating Novak Djokovic is a breakthrough moment for him.

“Extra special of course, because it’s against the best player in the world in a big tournament where you have the 8 Top players in the world of the season. It’s something amazing, and at the same time, it becomes almost normal,” said Cervara.

Winning all of his matches till now (Zverev, Djokovic, Schwartzman), Daniil only needs two more to register his biggest title win. At such a point in a tournament, the mentor plays a very important role.

“Stay focused and very smart”: Medvedev’s Coach Gilles Cervara

London is a big stage for every tennis player, and Daniil has already made a solid statement on the court. Now, it will be the Russian’s actual test of his clear-headed confidence and sensible gameplay.

“He qualifies for semi-finals, he beat Novak playing in a huge match like he did against Zverev the match before. All of this makes me feel very happy for the work we do and (for) the next matches of the tournament. But, you have to stay focused and very smart to deal with this,” Cervara said.

Daniil will face World No. 2 Rafael Nadal to qualify for the finals in London. Nadal, who has never won a year-end championship event, will want to make this year his first.

Also Read: How Daniil Medvedev Can Beat Rafael Nadal in the ATP Finals 2020 Semi-Final