Vagnozzi reveals what the key to Sinner's success is

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 9 Apr 2026 | 11.53

Simone Vagnozzi, key to Sinner's success. Photo: gettyimages

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Jannik Sinner continues to establish himself as one of the most dominant players on the circuit, but behind his constant growth lies a key figure: his coach, Simone Vagnozzi. In an extensive interview, the Italian coach dissected the keys to the development of the number one, his adaptation to clay courts, and the continuous process that has propelled him to the elite.

Beyond the results, Simone Vagnozzi left a clear idea in an interview with an Italian television: the true value of Jannik Sinner lies in his constant evolution and his ability to keep building himself as a player. Evidence of this is the tactical changes implemented for months, which should have a significant impact on this crucial clay-court swing, where the Italian has high expectations.

This is what Simone Vagnozzi said about the keys to Jannik Sinner's success

Adaptation to clay courts: experience and confidence

The transition from hard court to clay has always been one of the biggest challenges on the calendar, but according to Vagnozzi, Sinner is managing it better and better. “Today, he processes these changes much faster,” explained the coach, highlighting the maturity gained in recent years.

This evolution is not coincidental. “Last year, he played on clay for four consecutive months, and we still carry that experience within us,” he added. This foundation now allows him to adapt more naturally to a surface that, although not his favorite, no longer represents a weakness.

Moreover, the competitive context also plays a role. “Arriving with confidence after good results helps a lot,” Vagnozzi emphasized, highlighting the importance of the mental aspect in this process.

A surface where he can win

Although traditionally considered more of a hard court player, Vagnozzi is clear: Sinner can compete at the highest level on clay. “It's not his favorite surface, but he can achieve great results,” he stated.

The coach recalled several recent opportunities, such as his matches against Stefanos Tsitsipas or Holger Rune, where he came close to great successes. He even highlighted his level in important finals, such as the one against Carlos Alcaraz.

The goal, in any case, is clear: to arrive in the best possible shape for Roland Garros. Each prior tournament is a test, an opportunity to fine-tune details and build confidence.

The drop shot and technical evolution

One of the most discussed aspects of Sinner's game is the incorporation of new variations, such as the drop shot. “He is understanding better when and how to use it,” Vagnozzi explained.

Far from being an immediate change, this progress is the result of a gradual process. “There are no magic wands. Nobody changes in two weeks,” the coach recalled. Technical improvement is a continuous process, based on repetition and automatization.

The example of the serve reinforces this idea. “A year and a half ago, they said he couldn't win because of his serve. Today, it's a solid weapon,” he pointed out, illustrating how patient work transforms weaknesses into strengths.

A player in constant growth

For Vagnozzi, the key to Sinner's success lies in his mindset. “Since I've been with him, he's a player in constant evolution,” he stated.

This attitude aligns with that of great champions like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, or Roger Federer, whom he mentioned as examples of continuous improvement. “You can't stop seeking new motivations to train,” he explained. In that sense, Sinner stands out for his daily ambition: each training session has a purpose, each adjustment aims for a leap in level.

The importance of variety and flexibility

Another major advancement in Sinner's game is his ability to adapt during matches. “He used to be more rigid before, now he's much more chameleon-like,” noted Vagnozzi.

This evolution is especially evident in his returns. The Italian alternates positions based on the opponent, creating constant discomfort. “That disrupts the server's rhythm and is a fundamental weapon,” he explained. These tactical adjustments make the difference in modern tennis, where adaptability is as crucial as shot quality.

Calendar management and mental balance

Beyond the game, one of the biggest challenges is managing the calendar. “You have to find the balance between playing with confidence and knowing when to rest,” Vagnozzi stated.

The strain is not just physical but also mental. “Competing at the highest level for a month demands a lot,” he explained. That's why planning is flexible: it adjusts based on the player's condition week by week. The goal is always the long term. “Decisions are made with the whole season in mind, not just one tournament,” he emphasized.

Learning from defeat: the key of champions

One of the most interesting points of the interview was the emphasis Sinner places on losses. “They are analyzed more than the victories,” Vagnozzi revealed. Rather than avoiding them, the Italian scrutinizes defeats in detail. “He's the first one who wants to review the matches and understand what he could have done better,” his coach explained.

This self-criticism is, according to Vagnozzi, a distinctive trait of champions. “You have to digest defeat, not evade it,” he affirmed, underlining the humility necessary to keep growing.

A talent with an elite mentality

Managing a player like Sinner also involves dealing with pressure. “At the beginning, I felt a great responsibility; I knew I had a jewel in my hands,” Vagnozzi confessed.

Today, with success established, the expectations have shifted. “Now it seems like a drama every time he loses,” he commented, reflecting the level of demand surrounding the Italian. Nevertheless, one thing remains unchanged: his mindset. “He wakes up every day thinking about how to become a better player,” Vagnozzi concluded. And that, more than any stroke or tactic, is the real foundation upon which his dominance is built.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Vagnozzi desvela cuál es la gran clave del éxito de Sinner