In an interview with Jim Courier (right), Jannik Sinner takes aim at his coach. © APA/afp / MARTIN KEEP

With humor into the final: Sinner takes aim at coaches

Jannik Sinner has done it again: He is in the final of the Australian Open and will fight for his third Grand Slam title on Sunday. The South Tyrolean's good mood became clear after his semi-final triumph on Friday.

24 January 2025

From: det

2024 was the best year of Jannik Sinner's career - but also the most difficult. The annoying doping issue really affected the sixth-placed player, which is why he said in mid-October: "This year I lost my smile a little." A smile that Sinner has now regained. Even though his future is not yet clear because of the Clostebol case, Sinner seems to be very happy again.

Want some proof? His on-field interview on Friday at Rod Laver Arena. After his semi-final triumph over Ben Shelton and the associated entry into the final of the Australian Open, Sinner's face was beaming. Especially when he spoke about his team. Sinner not only laughed heartily, but also made some amusing statements that caused laughter in the arena.

Sinner clearly enjoyed the interview. © APA/afp / DAVID GRAY

"I have two different coaches," said Sinner, referring to Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill. "Simone is very tactical and was number 161 in the world as a player. Darren, on the other hand, was in the top 30, which is a bit different between the two," Sinner took aim at his coach Vagnozzi - and interviewer Jim Courier added with humor. "Ouch, that hurts!" With a mischievous laugh, Sinner added: "Even when he was playing, Simone said he wanted to be a coach one day. And I have to say, he's a really great coach."


The amusing scene from minute 2.20


His sympathetic comments were well received. There was a lot of laughter in the stands, as well as in the South Tyrolean's box. Vagnozzi, smiling mischievously, was hugged by Cahill, physiotherapist Ulises Bandio and athletic trainer Marco Panichi laughed heartily, while interviewer Courier said to Sinner: "Now, young man, you have to help yourself out of this mess."

Otherwise they are offended with Sinner

"We have an excellent relationship, we are like a family off the pitch too," said Sinner. "This is Darren's last season as coach, I'm happy that we can fight for titles. And of course I don't want to forget my physiotherapist (Bandio) and athletic trainer (Panichi), otherwise they'll be offended. The whole team is fantastic," said a very cheerful Sinner, again receiving a lot of laughter and applause.

Jannik Sinner played great and is in the final. © APA/afp / ADRIAN DENNIS

Now the big final is upon us. On Sunday, Sinner will fight against Alexander Zverev for his third Grand Slam title (SportNews ticks live). "Zverev really wants to win his first Grand Slam tournament. It will be a tough match in which anything can happen," Sinner predicts. A memorable day of tennis awaits South Tyrol!