Jannik Sinner celebrates his first triumph at the classic grass court tournament. Afterwards, he speaks emotionally about the past year. The final victory also has a special meaning for the future.
Jannik Sinner won a curious bet with his coach thanks to his Wimbledon triumph and can now decide for himself whether to continue their successful collaboration. Former Australian tennis pro Darren Cahill made the Italian the world number one and led him to four Grand Slam titles, but actually wants to end his coaching career at the end of the year.
“We had a bet before the final. He told me that if I won tomorrow, I could choose whether he stays or not. It’s my decision,” Sinner said after his four-set victory over Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. “If I decide to continue with him, he won’t travel as much. I’ve always looked for an honest person who gives me a lot, not just on the tennis court, but also off it, in terms of how to live. He’s great.”
Sinner: “The whole year wasn’t easy.”
When asked about the future, 59-year-old Cahill, who also led Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, and Simona Halep to great success, said: “I don’t want to answer that. You’ll have to ask Jannik.” The coaching team also includes Italian Simone Vagnozzi.
Cahill has been coaching Sinner since July 2022 and defended his protégé even after two positive doping tests came to light. The South Tyrolean was banned for three months this year after his triumph at the Australian Open. At the French Open, Sinner suffered a bitter defeat against Alcaraz in an epic final despite having three match points.
“I thought about everything I’ve been through lately. The whole year hasn’t been easy,” Sinner said of his thoughts after the triumph. “It feels emotional because only the people close to me and I know what I’ve been through on and off the court, and it’s been anything but easy.”
