Darren Cahill using successful Andre Agassi plan with Jannik Sinner as he makes big claim
Darren Cahill has explained the reasons for Jannik Sinner not playing any tournaments to prepare for the 2024 Australian Open and offered insight into the Italian’s schedule for next year.
The elite tennis coach highlighted the fact he used the same strategy when working with Andre Agassi and asserted that Sinner is “ready” to win a Grand Slam.
Sinner will not play any tune-up tournaments ahead of the Australian Open – a decision that seems wise given the late and intense end to his 2023 season.
The world No 4 played his final match of the year on November 26 as he inspired Italy to their triumph at the 2023 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
The 22-year-old also reached the final of the ATP Finals in Turin the week before, having claimed ATP 500 titles in Beijing and Vienna in October.
Cahill coached tennis legend Andre Agassi from early 2002 until his retirement in 2006 and helped the American win his eighth and final Grand Slam title at the 2003 Australian Open.
With Cahill in his corner, Agassi did not compete in any tournaments before the three Australian Opens he played and posted an excellent 16-2 record at the event.
In an interview with Corriere Della Sera, Cahill addressed the choice to not use any ATP events to prepare Sinner for the year’s first Major.
“The Davis Cup made the difference – five more matches in Malaga, the competitive season ended on 26 November. With joy, but further than we thought. We considered not stressing Jannik Sinner with a tournament before Melbourne to protect his mind and body,” the Australian said.
“It is the strategy that, in the five years that I coached him, I used with Agassi. This way he has more margin for recovery, and skiing these days in South Tyrol, in moderation, is an integral part of the boy’s well-being. Starting fresh will be crucial.
“In 2024, we want the same problems to be solved: playing a lot to win a lot, stabilising ourselves at the top. He will be at the four Slams, the nine Masters 1000s, the Davis Cup and the Olympics.
“There isn’t much room for manoeuvre in the planning, maybe the details will change: Madrid [he] will play and not Barcelona. The ATP 250 [events]? It is not excluded – they are useful for managing the pressure as a favourite. Every tournament is a lesson to learn from, and Jannik is a sponge.
“Representing your country every four years, at the Olympics, as part of a national team – a special experience. It will take away an important human adventure, of great growth, as happened in Davis.”
The former world No 22 also expressed confidence that his charge is ready to make his breakthrough on the biggest stage ahead of the Australian Open.
“He is ready to win a Major, already in Australia. Jannik’s physique is a priority for the team. Now he trusts his body much more, he has less pain, he knows himself better,” Cahill declared.
READ MORE: Roger Federer’s former coach would ‘love to see Rafael Nadal give Novak Djokovic some heat’
