It's difficult for people to understand the mistakes Daniil Medvedev made against Novak Djokovic: Coach Gilles Cervara

Novak Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-5 6-2 6-2 in the Australian Open final to win a record-extending 9th title in Melbourne and 18th Grand Slam overall.

Medvedev's coach Gilles Cervara has now showered rich praise on Djokovic, claiming in a recent interview that the Serb's level was too high for Medvedev. But Cervara also acknowledged that his ward was not at his best in the final, even if his mistakes were not easily discernible to the public eye.

"It was a conjunction of several things," Cervara said about the Australian Open final. "First of all, Novak Djokovic's level and his determination: he was at a level of excellence."

Game, set, match… @DjokerNole 🏆 🇷🇸 👑 The love affair with Rod Laver Arena continues.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/ncBhDA3XYd

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 28, 2021

Gilles Cervara went on to explain that Daniil Medvedev's level of 'soul' and 'fire' were not up to the mark, which also contributed to the lopsided result.

"What did Daniil go wrong? It is difficult for people to understand the mistakes made because it is something invisible in this case," Cervara said. "We are talking about the right level of energy, soul and fire to have within you on these occasions. Unfortunately, in the final all these things were not of a high level."

Getting into the top 3 alongside Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal a realistic goal for Daniil Medvedev: Gilles Cervara

Daniil Medvedev (L) and Novak Djokovic

Gilles Cervara also expressed his happiness about Daniil Medvedev's results over the course of the past few months. The Frenchman claimed that Medvedev fully deserves to be in the top 3 of the men's rankings, alongside Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

"Getting into the Top 3 is not a dream," Cervara said. "It will be possible to maintain this position simply if Daniil continues to work with the right mental approach, showing maturity day after day, as well as game after game."

Daniil Medvedev was on a remarkable 20-match winning streak coming into the Australian Open final. He had beaten each of the world's top 10 (except Roger Federer who was out with injury) at least once - including Novak Djokovic.

The Russian picked up the Paris Masters, ATP Finals and ATP Cup titles during the course of his incredible run. And he is now all set to replace Rafael Nadal as the World No. 2 in the ATP rankings, thus solidifying his place at the top of the game.

The rise continues 📈Will @DaniilMedwed reach another milestone in the FedEx ATP Rankings by the end of the week? @tecnifibre pic.twitter.com/TP2nPyDr5D

— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 1, 2021

That was reinforced by Gilles Cervara, who believes Daniil Medvedev has come closer than ever to winning a Grand Slam title.

"Indeed, this is proof that the player has taken a new step forward considering also the final (stage) of last season," Cervara went on. "And with this new upgrade he is close to winning a Grand Slam, even if he still has to improve some small details in his game."