Jannik Sinner was told to ‘dig himself out of a hole’ during his on-court interview (Image: Eurosport)
poked fun at his coaching team after booking a spot in the final.
The world No. 1 is attempting to defend a Grand Slam title for the first time in his career, and he’s now one match away.
After earning a routine victory on Friday, Sinner was forced to “dig himself out of a hole” after winding up his coaches, Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi.
Sinner needed two hours and 36 minutes to ease past Ben Shelton in the semi-final on Friday. He saved two set points in the first set before winning 7-6(2) 6-2 6-2.
It was his 20th tour-level win in a row and Sinner now has a chance to defend his maiden Grand Slam title, cementing his status as the world’s best player.
Sinner had long been tipped as a bright star but he reached new heights after hiring Cahill and Vagnozzi in 2022. Since then, he’s won two Majors and reached No. 1 in the world. Last year, he lost just six matches.
The 23-year-old was asked what his coaches brought to the table after reaching his second successive Aussie Open final but landed himself in hot water when he poked fun at their own playing careers.
Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill were left in stitches after hearing Jannik Sinner’s comments (Image: Eurospott)
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“Well, honestly, I think every coach I went through, there is a huge amount of work we have done,” Sinner said, addressing his decision to change his team in 2022.
“That was a tough moment to change but already before I made some big changes when I was 13 and now I have an incredible team right there and they raised me a different player. I think every coach has a different department where they are good and I have two very different coaches.”
Explaining the differences between his two mentors, Sinner dug Vagnozzi out as he compared the Italian’s playing career to Cahill’s. “Simone is very tactical, he was ranked 161 and Darren was around 30 so it’s a bit different” he giggled, earning laughs from the crowd.
“That hurts!” on-court interviewer Jim Courier joked, watching the reaction in Sinner’s box.
“No but he always said, even when he played, his goal was to be a coach. And I have to say, he’s a very, very good coach, he’s an amazing coach,” Sinner continued, trying to redeem himself.
Courier replied: “Dig yourself out of that hole, young man. Dig yourself out, you can do it.”
Sinner turned on the charm, explaining what their partnership was like. He added: “Now, it’s a great relationship. We are not only a team who works together on the court, but we are like a family also off the court.”
The world No. 1 has already confirmed that this is his last season with Cahill in his corner, as the renowned Aussie tennis coach is set to step away. And Sinner is keen to win again in his mentor’s home country.
“Darren is making his last season this year as a coach and I’m happy we have again a chance to tight for the title. Very, very happy. The season is still on, but it means a lot to me to make it happen here,” he said.
“And I don’t want to forget my physio and physical trainer because if not, they get very offended! The whole team is amazing but the work still continues, let’s see what’s coming.”