Russian tennis sensation Daniil Medvedev has welcomed former French star Gilles Simon into his coaching team with enthusiasm and optimism. The 28-year-old, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, believes that the retired Simon, known for his strategic and intelligent playing style, can contribute valuable insights to enhance specific aspects of his game.
The surprising collaboration was announced this week, sparking interest and humor among tennis enthusiasts who noted the similarities in playing styles between Medvedev and Simon. Medvedev confirmed the partnership to Tennis Majors, expressing hope for a long-term association. The decision to officially team up followed a successful trial period, with their debut tournament scheduled for Dubai next week.
While Gilles Cervara, Medvedev’s long-time coach, will continue to play a pivotal role in the Russian’s coaching staff, the addition of Simon brings a fresh perspective to the team.
Medvedev shared his thoughts on the new collaboration, stating, “We see how it goes. So far it has been going good. Hopefully, it is for a very long time but that depends on a lot of factors. We will see how much time he spends.”
Acknowledging Cervara’s continued primary role, Medvedev emphasized Simon’s intelligence as a player and expressed his expectations for improvement in areas where his game may be lacking. The Russian is optimistic about the positive impact Simon can have on his overall performance.
Despite Simon’s decline in the latter part of his career, he notably secured victories against Medvedev in three out of their four encounters. However, Medvedev turned the tables with a win in 2022, marking a significant moment in their head-to-head battles.
With Simon transitioning from player to coach, this partnership marks his debut coaching role on the Tour. As Medvedev prepares for future competitions, the collective wisdom of both Cervara and Simon promises an exciting chapter in the Russian star’s career.
