Jannik Sinner’s coach reveals ‘huge moment’ his mindset changed in ‘no fear’ claim

Ewan West
Jannik Sinner at the 2024 Miami Open
Jannik Sinner reacts at the Miami Open

Darren Cahill has identified a “huge moment” when Jannik Sinner’s belief increased after the Italian’s triumph at the 2024 Miami Open saw him continue his sublime form. 

The esteemed coach highlighted Sinner’s run at the ATP Finals and his Davis Cup victory last year as being crucial, while asserting that the 22-year-old “respects everybody, but he fears no one.”

At the end of the 2023 season, Sinner was a runner-up at the ATP Finals in Turin, where he was beaten by Novak Djokovic. He then earned his revenge on the great Serbian in a key tie at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga en route to leading Italy to their second title in the competition.

Sinner delivered a devastating performance to see off Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 6-1 in the final of the Miami Open on Sunday to secure his third title of 2024.

The Italian has a remarkable 22-1 record so far this season, having also claimed titles at the Australian Open and in Rotterdam. His only defeat came against rival Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals of the Indian Wells Masters.

Sinner has climbed to a career-high ranking of world No 2 following his victory in Miami, which was his second Masters 1000 title to add to the 2023 Canadian Open.

The 22-year-old is next set to feature at the Monte Carlo Masters, which will run from April 7-14. He made the semi-finals of the tournament last year, having reached the quarter-finals in 2022.

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In a press conference after Sinner’s victory over Dimitrov in the Miami final, Cahill spoke about his player’s belief and ability to stay in the moment in matches.

“A lot of belief in the moment, hasn’t he? Finish to the year last year helped him a lot. He’s matured a lot in the last 12 months,” said the 58-year-old.

“I think doing what he did in Turin, in Italy, getting through to the final, backing it up and winning Davis Cup with his team for Italy was a huge moment for him.

“He was able to carry that belief through to the Australian Open. Now when he steps onto any court in the world against any player in the world, he respects everybody, but he fears no one. That’s really important is that when you step out there, you’re ready to give it your best.

“Some days you’ll come out the backhand on the wrong side, and that’s completely fine, and you go away and learn from it, but most days when you’re playing that level he’s playing at, he’s going to have a good day. And today was a good day.”

Cahill, who played professionally between 1984 and 1996, was ranked as high as 22nd in singles and 10th in doubles. The Australian has previously coached Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi and Simona Halep to Grand Slam titles and the world No 1 ranking.

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