Sacked coach bears the brunt of Medvedev frustration

Daniil Medvedev’s US Open explosion of temper during a heated first-round loss this week has inflicted collateral damage on longtime coach Gilles Cervara.

The sacking of the Frenchman was revealed on Sunday after the hot-headed Medvedev went mental as he lost to French qualifier Benjamin Bonzi, squaring  off against the chair umpire and smashing the life out of up to five racquets.

His disciplinary fine of USD 42,500 amounted to nearly half of his loser’s prize money.

The incident was sparked as a clueless photographer walked onto the court between serves in a match point situation.

Medvedev, 29, the 2021 Open winner, whose meltdowns are not uncommon during an ATP season, made a surprise move as he sacked Cervara, who has been with him for eight years.

Cervara ried to paper over the cracks which had been growing in a coaching relationship which had run its course for the former world No. 1 player.

“Our fantastic eight-season adventure together comes to an end,” the coach posted on Instagram. “Like a symbolic wink of life, it’s after this US Open tournament that we end our collaboration.

“I am grateful and happy for all the great things and wonderful experiences we were able to experience together on the court during these eight years. It will remain etched in my memory forever.

“I thank you for placing your trust in me. I gave EVERYTHING, every second, for our shared goals. I loved training you, coaching you, supporting you (even when it was difficult), and finding solutions with you and the team to help you perform.

“I will keep in mind your unconventional magic as a player, which is your strength. It will return, I’m sure. I wish you all the success you aspire to as a player in the future and a happy life as a man.”

Medvedev currently ranks 13th and won his last title at Rome more than two years ago.