Daniil Medvedev's former long-time fitness coach Eric Hernandez has found a new job on the Tour after agreeing to work with rising Italian tennis star Federico Cina.
After losing to Benjamin Bonzi in the US Open first round, Medvedev decided to completely overhaul his team and split with Hernandez after 11 years together. Also, the 2021 US Open champion parted ways with Gilles Cervara, who was his main coach for eight years.
Four months later, Hernandez is set to be back on the Tour as the new fitness coach for world No. 237 Cina, who was a semifinalist in the 2023 US Open boys' singles tournament.
This year, Cina captured his second ITF title before finishing as runner-up at the Challenger finals in Heraklion, Tbilisi and Hamburg. In September, the 18-year-old nearly break into the top-200 when he achieved a career-high ranking of No. 237 in the world.
Hernandez 'motivated' to do great things with Cina
"A new chapter begins. Motivated to join Federico China's team and family. Ready to go! And thank you for your trust. Thanks to the Italian Tennis Federation for welcoming me. Forza!" Hernandez announced on Instagram.
With Medvedev, Hernandez managed to do some great things as the Russian tennis star was always regarded as one of the better prepared players.
Thank you Eric. Thanks for making me Better Faster Stronger every day. You made me able to run more then 20 hours during one tournament and still have the chance to win it Every day you pushed me to my limits and I’ll never forget our victories together I wish you good luck in your next chapter and I am sure it’s gonna be a great one," Medvedev wrote on Instagram when announcing their separation.
Hernandez will now certainly look to do something similar with Cina.
