Darren Cahill on Jannik Sinner: ‘He has the mentality of a champion’ | ATP Tour

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Cahill on Sinner: ‘He has the mentality of a champion’

The Australian coach is eyeing his US Open title

September 09, 2024

Renowned coach Darren Cahill has helped Jannik Sinner to improve significantly since joining the club in July 2022.

The 23-year-old won his first major title under Cahill’s tutelage at the Australian Open in January and climbed to No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time in June. On Sunday afternoon in New York, Sinner capped his best season by claiming the title at the US Open.

After Sinner’s win, Cahill spoke to ESPN about the Italian’s journey and the top-level mentality during his US Open run.

“He was fine today,” Cahill told ESPN. “There was a difference between Australia and here. I think in Australia when you’re going to play for the first time, those nerves, it was the first grand final you’ve ever been in. There were more emotions. And perhaps even more expectations because he had beaten Medvedev several times. And getting over that hump and that hurdle. I think it gives you incredible confidence that no matter what happens, you will be able to cope.

“This morning you practiced well. This morning we were talking to Andre Agassi in the locker room. He talked about his game, and his mind, and his composure in big moments. Even when he was tested in that third set, I still felt like he could come back to it and turn it around and be able to do it. So, he has this mentality of a champion that I think a lot of players don’t have. Some players certainly have. But I believe he was born with it and he loves those situations and those times.”

Australian Cahill has enjoyed a distinguished coaching career. The former No. 22 in the PIF ATP Rankings helped guide Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt and WTA star Simona Halep to World No. 1 and joined Sinner’s team two years ago with the aim of adding some experience to the already well-anointed team.

Sinner has worked with countryman Simone Vagnozzi since the start of 2022 and Cahill was quick to praise Vagnozzi when asked about Sinner’s performance against Taylor Fritz.

“I think Simone Vagnozzi has done an amazing job over the last couple of years, working on the flaws in his game, both defensive transitions … and finding strength in those corners,” Cahill told ESPN. “But also to go back and take a point and turn to offense again. Simone has been an amazing coach. He has done a good job in the last two and a half, three years. And it’s been an absolute honor to work with him and see how he’s been able to change Jannik’s game.”

Usoni leaves New York with a 55-5 record this season and a 2,885-point lead over second-place Alexander Zverev in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, which serves as the barometer for the ATP Year-End No. 1 presented. with PIF.