Daniil Medvedev’s coach, Gilles Cervara, had a hilarious reaction to Rafael Nadal announcing his impending retirement. The French coach reminisced about the Spanish legend’s inspiring presence on the tour but accused him of stealing Medvedev’s two potential Grand Slam titles.
On Thursday, October 10, Nadal confirmed the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga (November 19-24) as his career’s final tournament. Following the announcement, he was flooded with heartwarming messages from his fans, colleagues, and prominent sporting figures. The 22-time Grand Slam champion’s arch-rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, too, celebrated his illustrious career.World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz expressed their gratitude at being able to share the court with their idol. Sinner’s coaches, Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi, too, joined in to honor the former World No. 1.
Daniil Medvedev’s coach, Cervara, meanwhile, humorously called out the Spaniard for beating his player twice in Grand Slam finals. Medvedev, who beat Novak Djokovic to clinch the 2021 US Open, has featured in six Major finals so far, losing twice to both Rafael Nadal and Djokovic and once to Jannik Sinner.
“Rafa big, big congrats for your huge career. The way you fought during adversity was Inspiring for so many people in life,” he wrote on Instagram.
“By the way, Thanks for the 2 Grand Slams you took (from) Daniil and the team !!!” the Frenchman teased.