How does the Sinner trainer experience the huge hype?

On the final Sunday in Rotterdam it will be two years since Simone Vagnozzi has been Jannik Sinner's coach. In the interview, “Vagno” talks about the development of his protégé, about the success in Melbourne and his further goals for 2.

One of the goals of the season was to play better at the Grand Slam tournaments. Now Sinner has won the Australian Open. 2024 couldn't have started better, could it?

Simone Vagnozzi: “Now we’re on vacation (laughs). We didn't go to Australia to win the tournament, but to play one match at a time. Jannik has proven that he can play well in tournaments over 3 winning sets. But we have to continue on our path, try to get better physically, technically and mentally.”

Have the season goals changed now?

Vagnozzi: “To be honest, we haven’t talked about it. Winning a Grand Slam tournament brings with it several positive things. The minimum goal is always to qualify for the ATP Finals, which he has practically achieved. Of course that helps. The goal now is to maintain a high level throughout the year.”

“Jannik always remained the same young man.” Simone Vagnozzi

You see Jannik every day. Did the win in Melbourne change him?

Vagnozzi: “He always remained the same young man as I expected. As I know him. I think there are no problems in this regard. If you go far in the big tournaments, you need a break afterwards to recover. Then you don't have a tournament every week. You had to stop and then start again.”

You have been Jannik's trainer for 2 years now. Do you still remember the call from Alex Vittur in February 2022?

Vagnozzi: “We're going to have a candlelit dinner together for our two-year-old birthday (laughs). Of course I remember the call. Alex and I are friends and don't just talk about tennis when we talk on the phone together. It was a nice call. We started working together not knowing where the path would take us. Now we are here. We have achieved a lot in 2 years. But we can’t stand still now.”

Sinner training in Rotterdam:

In 2022, Sinner was number 10 in the world, a great talent. Now he's number 4 and has won a slam. That's certainly a satisfaction for you and your team, right?

Vagnozzi: “We wanted to make Jannik a strong player at the highest level. He was already a super strong player, even if something was missing. Just yesterday I read an interview where Andy Murray was asked what advice he would give to young players. Tennis has changed a lot and has become faster, Murray said. But with him, Federer, Djokovic and Nadal there was always a tactical concept behind it. Jannik has improved in this regard. Not only is he a guy who hits and hits the ball hard, but he knows what to do in every situation. That’s what helped him reach this level.”

Jannik Sinner with South Tyrolean fans in Rotterdam.

Sinner says he can and must continue to improve. How do you see this as a coach?

Vagnozzi: “I think he can still improve in all aspects of the game, even though we are already at a high level. Now it's the little things that make the difference. I don't think he's at 100 percent. We also don't know how high he can go. But he can still improve physically, especially when it comes to recovery between games and the amount of training he does. Tactically he can improve, he can read the game even better. And of course he can also improve some shots. The stop ball is getting better and better, the backhand slice, the continuity of the serve. Experience helps, but you have to practice it every week.”

If you had to describe Sinner in 3 words?

Vagnozzi: “He is stubborn, but in a positive, good sense. When he sets his mind to something, he wants to achieve it. He's funny because he wants to laugh and joke off the court. He has a sunny disposition. And Jannik is respectful. It is not easy to find young people who respect their elders. He respects everyone, workers, journalists, waiters alike. That’s a good thing.”

“I could well imagine living in South Tyrol.” Simone Vagnozzi You are a good friend of Andreas Seppi and know Jannik Sinner like no other. Are they both just good tennis players, or do they have something else in common?

Vagnozzi: “There are two South Tyroleans who play tennis well, without a doubt. They also have a lot in common. They take their work seriously. Andreas sacrificed his life to tennis for many years. Jannik has only just started, but he's doing it 2 percent. They have different characters, but they are a good example for all South Tyroleans, but also for all players in Italy.”

You lived in South Tyrol for many years at home with Andreas Seppi. What memories do you have of our country?

Vagnozzi: “Only good ones, even if I think I came to South Tyrol a little too early. At 16 you are not aware of all the beautiful things. I made many friendships and wonderful memories. I last went to Seppi's farewell party in Kaltern in the summer, then spent a few days in Bruneck. These are such beautiful places, you just love going there. I could well imagine living in South Tyrol.”

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How does the Sinner trainer experience the huge hype?

On Wednesday evening all eyes are on Jannik Sinner. The man from Sexten is returning to the ATP circus after his Australian Open triumph. Before his match, his coach Simone Vagnozzi spoke to us in detail.

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