For the past three years, Darren Cahill and his coaching partner Simone Vagnozzi, the ever-humble backbone of Team Sinner, have guided Jannik Sinner to remarkable heights. Yet, about a year ago, Cahill began seriously contemplating retirement, even though 60 is far from old in spirit. His wife, Victoria, might not agree, but Sinner certainly didn’t take it lightly. Calling it his “biggest challenge” to change his mentor’s mind, the Italian made it clear how deeply bonded and unified his team remains. Now, as the ATP Finals loom, Darren Cahill breaks his silence, revealing his future plans alongside the young Italian phenom he helped mold.

Ahead of the ATP Finals in Turin, Darren Cahill has put all speculation to rest, confirming that he will continue coaching Jannik Sinner through 2026. The revelation comes with a heartfelt twist, one that began on the hallowed grass courts of Wimbledon. “I’m a man of my word. We made a pact at Wimbledon, and my future is in Jannik’s hands. If he wants me to stay, I’ll stay another year,” Cahill said on Saturday, his voice carrying both pride and humility.

That Wimbledon final last July was nothing short of monumental. Sinner became the first Italian in history to lift the prestigious trophy, a moment that transcended sport itself. In this new era beyond the “Big 3,” Sinner’s rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz has become tennis’s defining duel. 

The Spaniard leads their head-to-head 10–5, yet their battles have reshaped the future of the game. This year alone, Alcaraz triumphed in Rome, Roland Garros, Cincinnati, and the US Open, while Sinner’s lone victory came at Wimbledon, the one that changed everything.

Cahill, who had been planning to step away from the rigors of the tour, was on the verge of retirement. The decision was personal, born from years of travel, exhaustion, and the quiet pull of home. Yet, Sinner’s Wimbledon win stirred something deep within him, a renewed purpose. The tournament that was meant to be his farewell became a rebirth.

“It’s all good; I’m all in. He’s an unbelievable young man to work with, the team we have is incredible. I’ve had the time of my life the last three years,” Cahill said, his words laced with affection and respect. That bond, forged through hard work and humility, now defines the partnership between mentor and prodigy.

“When we spoke about this, this time last year, I just felt the time was right. I’m not a young buck anymore,” Cahill admitted. “Also, my particular role within the team is something that he should consider; to get a new voice in, a new set of eyes, new inspiration and it would be good to rotate that at times, but if he’s not ready to do that, it’s no problem, but that will be up to him.”

Then came the bet that sealed their fate. “The bet right before the Wimbledon final was if he won, he got to choose what I would do in 2026 regarding him,” Cahill revealed with a smile. “Now, I don’t know if that will last the whole year next year (but) he has to make sure he keeps his options open, to keep improving, to keep inspiring himself and to make sure he continues to go to the next level.”

That “next level” has already begun to take shape. Under the guidance of Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi, Sinner continues to sharpen his craft. His game today reflects a newfound maturity, more complete, more measured, yet still fiery when needed. Compared to last season, the difference is unmistakable.

Even in the short span since the US Open final, where Sinner fell to Alcaraz, his progress has been striking. His serve, once inconsistent, is now a weapon, more precise, more unpredictable, and more varied. He’s added kick serves, body serves, and an improved rhythm that keeps opponents guessing. Beyond that, his growing comfort at the net signals another step toward all-court mastery.

The chemistry between coach and player has only deepened with time. Cahill, ever the steady voice, continues to guide Sinner with patience and precision, while Vagnozzi’s tactical insights refine his game. 

Together, they’ve created a balance of trust and evolution. And as the ATP Finals beckon, Cahill’s commitment stands as both a promise and a challenge, that with Jannik Sinner, the story is still far from over.

When Cahill takes the responsibility for Sinner’s Paris Masters outburst

In the heart of Turin, where the city hums with anticipation for the ATP Finals, Jannik Sinner and his coach Darren Cahill brought a refreshing lightness to the electric atmosphere. Recently, at a Nike meet-and-greet, the duo, bonded through discipline and deep trust, reflected on a rare moment of heat that had flashed during the Paris Masters, a crack in Sinner’s usual composure that drew global attention.

With disarming honesty and his trademark humility, Cahill took full responsibility for that fiery exchange. “It’s my fault,” he admitted. “Actually, it’s good because one of the things with coaching that is really important is to know the moments when your player needs a little bit extra. Most times I get it right, but I missed a little moment.” 

Sinner, smiling at his mentor, acknowledged the beautiful messiness of communication in the heat of battle. “But I always say, … Sometimes, I am not easy, you know. Because at times I am nervous, and at times I want more support, and sometimes I want less support. So it’s difficult to read me,” he said, earning laughter from the crowd and an affectionate nod from Cahill.

The flashpoint itself came at the Paris Masters, during the quarterfinal against America’s Ben Shelton. Sinner had been pure precision, breaking serves, dictating rallies, and crafting a 6–3, 6–3 masterpiece. Yet even in dominance, a human spark emerged. Leading 6–3, 3–2, he turned toward his box in frustration: “I make a break and you’re f**king sitting,” he barked, a rare, raw eruption from the calm Italian.

It was brief, one in a blink, but it peeled back the curtain on the intensity that fuels greatness. For Cahill, it became a moment of reflection; for Sinner, a reminder of his own evolving maturity under pressure.

Now, with Turin as his stage once more, the defending champion walks toward destiny. The chemistry with Cahill remains unbroken, the lessons from Paris tucked quietly behind his focused stare.

But as Carlos Alcaraz circles for the year-end crown, one question lingers in the crisp Turin air: can Jannik Sinner defend his throne and silence the world once again?