The experienced coach is working with the young American talent Nishesh Basavareddy.
For Cervara, the transition has been anything but comfortable. Working with an established top player brings structure and familiarity. Coaching a rising star, on the other hand, carries uncertainty.
The guarantees do not exist, and the roadmap is anything but clear. That provides daily questions about development, potential and that eternal coaching question – is the provided guidance enough for constant progress.
However, despite the challenges, Gilles enjoys that feeling. As he admitted, being pushed into unfamiliar territory energizes him. The slight sense of doubt forces him to stay sharp and engaged.
To explain his mindset, Cervara pointed to the 22-time Major winner Rafael Nadal. Through his outstanding career, the King of clay approached every opponent with respect and caution.
It was the same against Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer and if world no. 300 was on the other side of the net. Regardless of the rival’s ranking,anything could happen. That feeling kept his awareness sharp and on surface.
The sense of vulnerability made Rafa stronger. It kept him alert, hungry and invested. The outcome? Nearly 100 ATP titles, over 900 consecutive weeks in the top-10 and eternal legacy.
Cervara sees a parallel in his coaching journey. The expectations and unknown keep him threatened, especially with the young player by his side. However, that only fuels his motivation.
Nishesh Basavareddy cracked the top-100 last year. However, he did not play well in the second part of the year, losing ground and barely maintaining a place in the top-200.
The young gun will seek much better results with Cervara by his side, with the two blending youth and coaching experience.
“Clearly, working with the young upcoming player pushes me out of my comfort zone. Every day, I wonder if I will be good enough to help a player of that age improve, and I have no guarantees.
But feeling threatened is also what I enjoy. Rafa believed he could lose even against the world no. 300, and that resonates with me. It was this feeling of being threatened that allowed him to play at his best.
That’s a bit like what I feel too. It’s part of my personality and my energy,” Gilles Cervara said.