Daniil Medvedev's coach Gilles Cervara was seen praying in the stands during the second round of the Australian Open on Thursday, as the Russian star faced an early exit against Emil Ruusuvuori. Medvedev struggled through the first two sets, losing the first 6-3 and the second 7-6, with unforced errors piling up and frustration mounting.
During the match, Medvedev repeatedly turned to Cervara for advice, but the exchanges only seemed to irritate him further. At one point in the second set, Cervara was captured praying, though his pleas went unanswered as Ruusuvuori maintained his composure and took a commanding lead.
After an extended break before the third set, Medvedev returned with renewed belief, taking the set 6-4 to keep his hopes alive. Former tennis star Tim Henman commented that Medvedev was 'showing his vulnerabilities' by seeking 'very basic coaching advice' from his box after costly errors.
Ruusuvuori, meanwhile, was praised for his consistency and for allowing Medvedev to 'beat himself' in the opening sets. The Finn had earlier acknowledged Medvedev's ability to make opponents 'miserable' with his serve-and-rally tactics, but he remained focused on his own game.
