Jannik Sinner and Simone Vagnozzi during training in Rome. © APA/afp / TIZIANA FABI

Sinner coach: "The suspension was an advantage? No way."

With only two days left until Jannik Sinner makes his long-awaited comeback at the Masters 1000 tournament in Rome, his coach Simone Vagnozzi spoke about the past few months. The 41-year-old also addressed the controversies that have arisen during this time.

08 May 2025

From: leo

Simone Vagnozzi has been Jannik Sinner's coach for almost three years. Together with Darren Cahill, the man from Marche has shaped the South Tyrolean into the world's No. 1 tennis player. The 41-year-old has been featured in numerous Italian media outlets in recent days. He also did not shy away from the controversies sparked in the tennis world regarding Sinner's suspension.

"I've heard it's an advantage to have this break, but I don't agree. If it were, everyone would do it – but I haven't seen many people take a break between the Australian Open and the clay court season," Vagnozzi said, slightly sarcastically, to Ubitennis"We're here without any match practice. We've only played two tournaments in the last five months. I think it should be clear to everyone that this isn't an advantage."

Long-distance destination Paris

The Italian is confident that Sinner can handle the pressure and attention that will be on him on Saturday. "Compared to what he had to go through last season, this is a walk in the park. The burden that accompanied him day after day has now been lifted from his shoulders," says Vagnozzi.

This chapter is finally over, and Sinner can now concentrate solely on playing tennis. "We hope to play as many matches as possible here and in Hamburg to be prepared for the French Open in Paris."

Jannik Sinner is eager for his comeback. © APA/afp / PIERO CRUCIATTI

According to Vagnozzi, the first two matches will be crucial for finding his rhythm again. "In training, you're always looking for perfection. In a match, however, Jannik has to accept mistakes or a wrong ball bounce. Given this, attitude is of great importance," Vagnozzi said in an interview with Sky"Jannik will have to fight. The important thing is to win, not play perfectly. Only then can he slowly find his rhythm again."

Who Sinner will face in the opening match will be decided on Thursday from around 13 p.m., when Mariano Navone (ATP 99) and 18-year-old Federico Cinà (ATP 323) cross rackets.