Sinner's new coach introduces himself: "Otherwise I wouldn't be here"

In a detailed interview a few days ago, Vagnozzi explained what his goals are, how the collaboration with Sinner came about and how he wants to improve the Sextner's game.

Are you ready for this big task?

Simone Vagnozzi: “If I didn’t feel ready, I wouldn’t be here. I know that it is a responsible task because we are talking about a player who is in the top ten at 20 years old. The expectations are high. I’m ready, otherwise I wouldn’t have taken the job.”

How did the collaboration begin?

“His team (advisor Alex Vittur, editor's note) called me on Wednesday and asked if I could help Jannik in Monte Carlo. Then everything happened very quickly. I have always had great respect for Riccardo Piatti. He is the coach with the most experience and the best results in Italy. He worked great with Jannik, but also with many players before him. It makes me proud to succeed such a great coach like Riccardo.”

Super talent Jannik Sinner aims high. © ANSA / ALI HAIDER

What goals have you set for yourself with Sinner?

“The goal is to improve your game and try to beat the top players at the big tournaments. Jannik is ready to win big games, but we must not forget that it takes time to build something. We told each other that we shouldn’t pay so much attention to the rankings, but rather that we need to improve his tennis.”

In which areas does it have the most room for improvement?

“He can improve his serve, become more confident on the way to the net and improve his technique when executing the volley. And also his backhand slice. He can also improve a lot tactically. It's important to have a Plan B or even a Plan C. When you play against Djokovic or Nadal, you have to be able to change your game and reshuffle the cards that are on the table.” “The mental reaction was incredible for me.” Simone Vagnozzi What is your balance after the first tournament?

“I am very happy with how things went in Dubai. After Australia he didn't train for 14 days. We started work on Thursday, so we had 10 days of training before Dubai in what was obviously not an easy situation. The mental reaction he showed in the first round was incredible for me. Beating Davidovich Fokina from a set and a break down and fending off 1 match points in the tiebreak shows how strong he is mentally. He played the match against Murray very well, was really aggressive and served well. Against Hurkacz, that wasn't his best match. Maybe he lacked a little energy because the last month was very stressful for him. We need to get to know each other better. In 3 or 2 months we will see which path we will take.”

What is the tournament planning like?

"It comes naturally. After the Davis Cup, Jannik will play Indian Wells and Miami, then the clay court season begins in Europe with Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome and the French Open." “He didn’t give me the impression of being a Carlos Alcaraz who was already winning matches in futures tournaments when he was 14.” Simone Vagnozzi about his first encounter with Sinner a few years ago. You already have experience as a trainer...

“Marco Cecchinato was the first professional I trained. It went well and the experience with Stefano Travaglia confirmed my work. I continued to work with young players in my academy. I also like comparing myself with other trainers, I'm still young and still want to learn and will continue to ask for advice. But that doesn’t change the fact that I don’t know what I can give Jannik.” Simone Vagnozzi in portrait Born on May 30, 1983 in Ascoli Piceno, he came to Kaltern as a teenager and trained for 10 years in South Tyrol under coach Massimo Sartori together with Andreas Seppi, Alex Vittur and Thomas Holzer. With Seppi U18 Italian champion 2011 for Kaltern. As a professional, he reached number 161 in the world rankings in singles (2011) and number 74 in doubles (2011). At the ATP tournament in Bastad 2010 he reached the final with Seppi. Winner of the Challenger 2010 in Marburg and winner of 5 Futures tournaments, including the Sparkassen Trophy 2012 in Rungg. After ending his professional career in 2015, he became a coach and led Marco Cecchinato to number 18 in the world and to the semi-finals of the 2018 French Open. He brings Stefano Travaglia to number 2019 in 60. Jannik Sinner's coach since February 17, 2022.

What is your first impression of Jannik?

“He's a sunny guy who just enjoys tennis. We're getting along very well at the moment. We still need to get to know each other better, and it is premature to say more. I first saw him on the tennis court when I was coaching Gianluca Quinzi, Gianluigi Quinzi's younger brother, right after the end of my playing career. Jannik won 7:6 in the 3rd set. He played well and had perfect timing, but he didn't strike me as a Carlos Alcaraz who was already winning matches in Futures tournaments when he was 14. Jannik developed extremely quickly from 14 to 20 and in these 10 days I understood why. He is absorbed in his work and always wants to do something more and not less. And he always wants to compete.”

Will there be the much-quoted super coach?

“Jannik doesn’t have to imitate Nadal, Djokovic or Medvedev or any other player. He has to be the best version of himself. No one else will be joining the team at the moment. Conditioning coach Davide Cassinello, physiotherapist Paolo Cadamuro from Bolzano and I will be there in the USA. We want the best for Jannik and if we need someone who can give us something more, then we will leave that option open. Nothing is planned at the moment.”

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Sinner's new coach introduces himself: "Otherwise I wouldn't be here"

For Simone Vagnozzi it is a great honor, a great challenge and a return to the roots of his career. He lived in South Tyrol for 10 years, and the now 38-year-old from Ascoli became a professional in our country. Now he wants to lead Jannik Sinner to the top as a coach.

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