Amidst Jannik Sinner’s Australian Open Triumph, WTA Pro Steps Up to Congratulate Ex-Coach Darren Cahill for His Influence

Jannik Sinner‘s recent triumph at the Australian Open is a huge win for him and his entire team! He successfully defended his title with a straight-sets victory over Alexander Zverev, winning 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3. This victory not only marks Sinner’s third Grand Slam title but also makes him the first Italian player to achieve this milestone. It wasn’t a surprise that he celebrated with a group hug with his team once he sealed the victory at Rod Laver on Sunday. In his post-match interview, he said, “We are not only a team who worked together on the court but we are more like a family also off the court, which is amazing to have them.” Simona Halep can relate to that!

Sinner’s rise began when he brought Darren Cahill on board in July 2022 to work alongside Simone Vagnozzi. Their partnership paid off as Cahill received the Coach of the Year award at the 2023 ATP Awards. The 59-year-old coach helped Sinner win both the 2024 Australian Open and the US Open titles. Before coaching Sinner, Cahill had guided Simona Halep to the No.1 ranking as well, and a French Open title in 2018.

However, Halep faced her own challenges after splitting with Cahill in 2020. In 2022, she tested positive for the banned substance Roxadustat during the US Open. Initially handed a four-year ban, she fought back and reduced it to just nine months. While she made her return at the 2024 Miami Open, she expressed her feelings about Sinner’s doping controversy, noting the unfair treatment she received compared to him and WTA’s Iga Swiatek.

Still after Sinner’s recent Australian Open triumph, Halep showed support for Cahill by posting a touching message on Instagram: “@dc10s so happy for you 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 #thebestcoach 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼”

Cahill has an impressive track record, having led tennis legends like Lleyton Hewitt and Andre Agassi to Grand Slam success in the past. It’s a shame that this year will be his last year coaching Sinner. With such an accomplished coach by his side, it’s no wonder Sinner feels sad about Cahill’s retirement this year.

Jannik Sinner shares his thoughts on his coach’s retirement

The news of Darren Cahill’s retirement came after Jannik made it to the third round of the Australian Open. Sinner revealed that Cahill, 59, will leave his team after this season. “He brought me so many things. I don’t want to talk so much about his retirement. I feel very, very lucky and happy to be his last player on Tour. He has been an amazing, amazing coach and person, not only for me but for all the other players he has worked with,” he said.

The 59-year-old has been a pivotal figure in Sinner’s success since joining his team in 2022. Under his guidance, Sinner won eight titles last year, including both the Australian Open and the US Open. While Sinner is grateful for Cahill’s contributions, he also hints at the bittersweet nature of their parting. “He has a beautiful family, and so many great things to come for him also after his tennis job. Let’s see. But the year is still long,” Sinner noted during a press conference.

hile neither has elaborated much on the reasons behind Cahill’s decision, it seems that the demands of travel have taken their toll. Being based in Australia means the coach often misses out on family time due to his commitments with Sinner.

As the season progresses, Sinner hopes to give Cahill a memorable farewell. “I know it’s your, probably, maybe … maybe I try to convince you … but it’s your last Australian Open as a coach, and I’m very, very happy to share this trophy with you,” the Italian playfully mentioned while accepting the AO trophy.

With such a strong bond and the rest of the season ahead, it’s exciting to see how this story unfolds!