Hubert Hurkacz has sparked attention in Madrid after being seen training with Gilles Cervara, the long-time former coach of Daniil Medvedev, suggesting a possible new direction in his coaching team.
The Polish player was observed working closely with Cervara during practice sessions at the Madrid Open, with the French coach actively involved in guiding drills and offering tactical input. While no official confirmation has been made, the setup strongly indicates the early stages of a potential partnership.
Cervara is widely regarded as one of the most respected coaches on the ATP Tour, having guided Medvedev to major success, including a US Open title and a stint as world No. 1. His recent availability followed the end of his long-term collaboration with the Russian star.
For Hurkacz, the timing of this development comes during a challenging period in his career. Once ranked inside the top 10, he has slipped outside that group amid inconsistent form and injury setbacks. The 29-year-old recently parted ways with coach Nicolas Massu after a run of underwhelming results, prompting a search for fresh direction.
The appearance of Cervara in his camp suggests Hurkacz is exploring a more structured and tactical approach as he attempts to rebuild momentum on tour. His current team setup has also included advisory input from experienced figures such as Ivan Lendl, reflecting a broader effort to stabilise his performance.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether Cervara’s involvement is a short-term trial or the beginning of a full-time coaching relationship. However, his presence in Madrid signals that Hurkacz is actively reshaping his support team at a crucial point in the clay-court season.
With the tour entering a key stretch leading into Roland Garros, any change in coaching could play an important role in determining whether Hurkacz can regain consistency and return to competing at the top level.
