What we knew was over last week, is now officially over.
Jannik Sinner and Darren Cahill officially confirmed the end of their highly successful coaching partnership on Friday, bringing the curtain down on a five-year collaboration that helped transform the Italian into one of the most dominant players in tennis with social media posts confirming that their final days as a tandem have come.
Cahill’s announcement, made in a press release on Friday, confirms what was reported last week by The Times of London, which broke the news that Sinner had hired former World No. 2 Magnus Norman to replace Cahill.
Norman will join Sinner’s coaching team next month, working alongside Simone Vagnozzi, while Cahill moves on after helping guide the Italian to five Grand Slam titles, two ATP Finals crowns and the World No. 1 ranking.
Cahill, who joined Sinner’s team in June 2022, spoke warmly about his time with the Italian in Friday’s statement, emphasizing the trust, honesty and mutual respect that defined their relationship.
“Working with Jannik has been a special honor and privilege,” Cahill said. “He’s an amazing young man and a humble dedicated champion that we are all incredibly proud of. Trust, honesty and belief only work when it’s exchanged both ways, and this has been Jannik’s strength as an athlete. It’s also the reason that makes coaching someone like him such a memorable experience.”
The Australian, who previously coached Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt and Simona Halep and is generally considered to have the best coaching record in the modern era, also expressed his gratitude to Sinner’s team and supporters.
“I want to thank Jannik, the entire team, and all the fans for welcoming this Aussie into the wonderful Italian family. I wish the team nothing but continued success for the coming years,” he said.
Sinner responded in kind, paying emotional tribute to Cahill in a video message posted on social media, reflecting on how their relationship had evolved far beyond tennis.
“Darren, when we started working together in 2022, I was just a skinny young Italian guy with a lot of questions,” Sinner said. “You never gave me all the answers. You helped me find them myself.”
The 25-year-old Italian recalled the many milestones they had shared, from his first Grand Slam triumph in Melbourne to reaching World No. 1 and winning Wimbledon, but insisted that the trophies were secondary when it came to the bond he shared with Cahill.
“So much of who I am as a player and as a person, I owe to you,” Sinner said. “Five seasons. I won’t forget a single day of them. Thank you, mate, for everything. It’s been a privilege.”
Also of note was this statement from Magnus Norman, acknowledging the acceptance of his role with Sinner.
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