"Sinner is not a robot"

Jose Morón | 11 May 2026 | 10.53

"Sinner is not a robot," Cahill says.

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Darren Cahill is one of the masterminds behind the success of Jannik Sinner. The coach forms a magnificent duo with Simone Vagnozzi, and in 2026 they aim to take a step forward in the career of the Italian tennis player, seeking to complete an absolutely magnificent clay court tour, on par with the greats of this sport.

In an interview with La Gazzetta, Cahill shares some very interesting details about Jannik, who is often described as robotic, a term that Darren completely rejects, highlighting the difficulty of playing at the level at which the San Candido native currently performs.

What Surprises Him the Most About Sinner

"He has a great self-awareness. He knows his place in the tennis landscape and in life. In tennis, it's important; in everyday life, not so much. And that's normal because he practices a sport and does something he loves, but there are things more important in life than hitting a tennis ball. And he knows that well. That's why he manages to be humble and keep his feet on the ground. I believe this comes largely from the education he received from his parents."

A Little-Known Quality of Sinner

"He is extremely curious. When he is in a group of people, everyone wants to know something about him, but in the end, he finds a way to turn the situation around and bombard them with questions, whether about sports or life, about handling pressure, girlfriends, or any other subject. He wants to learn from people who have lived experiences that he will likely experience in the future. He wants to be prepared in advance."

Definition of "Robot" in Reference to Sinner

"He is not one at all. There is a part of him that loves danger and that is not seen much on the court because when he is playing a match, he has that internal computer that works continuously, and there is a certain security in the way he plays. He calculates the probabilities of winning the point by choosing a certain shot with less risk, and that is the characteristic of a winning player. In life, however, it's not exactly the same. He likes motor racing, speed. He likes adrenaline. But these two souls come together in a single player, incredibly professional: training, nutrition, rest; he tries to step onto the court each time with the goal of growing and improving. That's why he is a champion."

After Australia's Defeat, He Took Off Like a Rocket

"He possesses a special talent, something that we, the coaches, can't teach. It's an inner drive that leads him to want to learn from every situation. Jannik learns not only from defeats but also a lot from victories because it’s crucial to 'go to school' in every tennis match. Win or lose, he looks at everything through the same lens: 'How can I improve today?' That's his strength."

His Work Alongside Simone Vagnozzi

"He is the head coach. I believe the reason why our relationship works so well is that our roles are quite well defined, although they intertwine in many ways. Simone and I discuss everything related to Jannik, both from a technical and emotional perspective. He tries to learn from me in some areas, and I am learning from him in many others because he has an extraordinary technical vision, better than mine. He can see technical aspects of the game that very few coaches manage to grasp. And he sees them very early, with great clarity. But above all, he manages to communicate them to the player in a way that he can understand and put into practice."

Changes Vagnozzi has Made in Sinner's Tennis

"Simone has been extraordinary in the small changes introduced in Jan's game. The serve is the most evident example, and data confirms the work they have done on this stroke, already one of the best on the circuit. Simone is a special coach. He knows how to choose the right moment to convey a message to Jannik: he knows when he wants to hear something and when, on the contrary, he needs to solve problems by himself. Simone is the voice."

If Vagnozzi is the Tough Policeman

"No, not at all. He is the one who must convey messages in moments of pressure, so yes, that can be more challenging than my role. I must nurture the team culture and ensure that everyone communicates well. Each of us knows our own role and the purpose for which we are working. I believe that is our strength and what provides Sinner with great serenity."

Pressure Faced Being the World Number 1

"Tennis is a sport that exposes you to many pressures at a young age. But the responsibility of being the world number one is wonderful. He also manages very well the fact of being so beloved and followed in Italy. He is very proud of it."

Whether This Will Be His Last Year with Jannik or Not

"We'll see... I didn't think I would be coaching Jannik in 2026, yet here I am. There are no bets at the moment; my goal is to do the best job possible for Sinner and the team this year. Then we will talk at the end of the season, as we did last year, and decide with the utmost serenity. What I can assure you is that Sinner will be my last player as a coach."

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