Speaking at a sponsor event in Milan on Tuesday, Sinner emphasised that while his primary goal is to be competition-ready for the Australian swing, he is prioritising his long-term health. The Italian, who recently saw his 95-week reign as world No. 1 end as Zverev ascended to the top spot, noted that he must adhere to strict medical protocols to avoid aggravating his knee. The
A New Chapter with Coaching Changes
The period of inactivity has prompted significant structural changes within Sinner’s camp. Last week, the Italian confirmed that coach Darren Cahill would be departing, with
Reflecting on the departure of Cahill, who joined his team in June 2022 and oversaw his rise to the top of the rankings, Sinner described the coach as a mentor who became like a second father. Cahill, who was present in Milan, expressed his full support for the appointment of Norman, noting that he intends to step back completely to allow the new partnership to flourish without interference.
Perspective and Future Ambitions
The enforced layoff has been the longest of Sinner’s career, a challenge he admits has been difficult to navigate. Beyond the physical rehabilitation, which involves daily gym sessions and time spent on a racing simulator, Sinner has found the lack of control over his schedule to be a strange experience. However, he believes the time away has fundamentally shifted his perspective on the sport.
Sinner acknowledged that he previously took his success for granted, viewing tournament victories as a natural progression. Now, he feels a renewed hunger to compete and a deeper appreciation for the effort required to lift major trophies. With his sights set on a return to the court, the Italian is focused on incremental improvements, aiming to extend his career for another decade or more while rediscovering the competitive drive that defined his rise to the top of the game.