Darren Cahill reveals Jannik Sinner’s competitive mindset

Jannik Sinner’s coach Darren Cahill has revealed that his ward has worked really hard to reach his current level. Sinner is currently the number one player in the PIF ATP rankings and has won four Slams in his young career.

Cahill revealed he asked Sinner to add more speed to his serve and the change has helped him win more points while serving. Sinner has been playing at his absolute best in the last couple of seasons and the renowned Australian coach has played a key role in his pupil’s success.

Sinner recently defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final in a four-set contest to win his maiden Major at the grass-court event.

“That’s why we are so proud as coaches, because all that work you’ve been doing for the past three years eventually shows up in a big match, at a big tournament, for him to be able to get through and win that match,” Cahill told ATP Media at the Cincinnati Open. “So it’s not just four or five days when you can make those big changes. It’s the combination of a year or two of just pushing him day to day and making sure we continue to work on those things.”

Cahill took Sinner under his watch in July 2022 and the first thing he wanted to improve in Italian’s game was the serve.

“One thing I did say is, ’The serve needs to improve. You’re six foot four and you’re a strong lad’,” recalls the Australian. “’You need to be able to get more miles per hour on that first serve, better direction on that first serve. Then not only do you start winning some free points from your first serve, but also your Plus One becomes much more effective. If people can neutralise your serve, you have to work much harder for your points.’

“Then his questions came, one after the other… It’s typical of him. He wants to compete. He’s a competition animal. We’re seeing an incredible level of tennis at the moment, with Carlos [Alcaraz] and Jannik. If you look at their body of work over the past couple of years, they’ve separated themselves from the field. Now it’s up to the field to chase.”

Sinner will face Adrian Mannarino in the fourth round of the Cincinnati Open on Wednesday.