ATP Masters Monte-Carlo: Daniil Medvedev's hairdresser
Daniil Medvedev is not the big favorite for the title at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Monte Carlo. But that doesn't slow down the Russian's enthusiasm for training.
by Jens Huiber
last edit:
Apr 10, 2023, 04:16 pm
Gilles Cervara sometimes has to feel like a clichéd hairdresser: He hears his customers' concerns all day long, but in the interests of a good relationship, permanent friendliness is the top priority. Now, as is known, the only client who uses the services of Cervara is Daniil Medvedev. Not as a hairdresser (although Coach Cervara could also lend a hand there), but as the only really constant companion of the Russian on his way through the tennis circus.
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The next stop on this journey is Monte Carlo. Like some other professionals, Daniil Medvedev has moved his residence here, maybe even because of the good weather. Anyone who is marching in the direction of the Mirabeau curve these days will pass a flag advertising Medvedev's likeness for the traditional ATP Masters 1000 tournament in the really glamorous Monte Carlo Country Club.
#IMG2#
Medvedev still without a tournament victory on sand
Medvedev's first assignment will not be before Wednesday, so the leader in the ATP annual ranking is training more or less diligently on one of the smaller courts. On Sunday with Holger Rune, on Monday with buddy Andrey Rublev. Medvedev didn't seem particularly happy, of course Coach Cervara got to hear that. Sand is not Medvedev's preferred surface, nor has he won a tournament on this surface.
He missed Monte Carlo last year with an injury that hampered him at Indian Wells and Miami. It came as a bit of a surprise that Medvedev competed in Geneva (defeat right at the start against Richard Gasquet) and then in Roland Garros. Just like the clear defeat against Marin Cilic in the round of 16 of the second major of the year. Before that, Medvedev had been extremely confident in three wins.
Success against Djokovic
In Monte-Carlo, the memories of the last performances have already faded: In 2019, Daniil Medvedev even reached the semi-finals after victories against Stefanos Tsitsipas and Novak Djokovic. And then lost, not untypical for Medvedev on clay, to Dusan Lajovic.
And so it is difficult to predict Medvedev's performance in Monte Carlo this year. After a bye, it's either against Ugo Humbert or Lorenzo Sonego, after which Alexander Zverev could wait. Also a local by choice, as you know. But no flags fly in Monte Carlo with his face.
Here the individual tableau in Monte Carlo
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