“It’s all about winning Grand Slams” – Cervara on Medvedev’s next step

Daniil Medvedev’s coach Gilles Cervara says that 2024 has to be about winning the biggest tournaments – and that means Grand Slams.

In an exclusive interview with Tennis Majors, the Frenchman says he is pleased with the success they had in 2023, and hopes for more of the same this year.

“When you’re one of the top players it’s all about winning the biggest tournaments, ie Grand Slams,” he says. “That’s the goal. Clearly.”

He also says that Medvedev is entering the fourth quarter of his career – which means he is also moving towards the peak of his potential.

And he should be looking to add to his haul of Grand Slams – which currently stands at one, after winning the 2021 US Open.

Key moments

0.10 – Gilles Cervara is pleased with the amount of success Daniil Medvedev had in 2023. The goal for 2024 is, he says, to have at least the same success.

0.43 – “When you’re one of the top players it’s all about winning the biggest tournaments, ie Grand Slams,” he says. “That’s the goal. Clearly.”

0.49 – Cervara assesses Medvedev’s biggest rivals on tour, contrasting the youth of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz with the experience of Novak Djokovic. Medvedev will need to beat those players if he is to win a Grand Slam.

1.34 – Cervara wonders whether all of those players will be able to repeat the kind of form they had in 2023.

1.47 – Looking at the longevity of Djokovic’s career, Cervara speculates whether Medvedev might play until the same age, and admits that nobody knows – not even him. But in terms of experience and fitness, Medvedev is entering the fourth quarter of his career and his maximum potential, says his coach.

2.20 – That means Medvedev needs to dare to do new things, which can bring a benefit in terms of the way he plays.