Sinner faces new challenges in defending his US Open title: how will the team cope without coach Cahill?

Italian star Jannik Sinner is reaching the peak of his career in the 2025 season, having won the Australian Open, claimed victory at Wimbledon, and secured the world No. 1 ranking. However, as the US Open approaches, his coaching team is undergoing changes: esteemed coach Darren Cahill has confirmed he will not accompany him to New York. This news raises questions about Sinner's chances of defending his title: without the guidance of this championship mentor, can Sinner continue his success at Flushing Meadows?

Cahill is one of the core figures in Sinner's team and a renowned coach in the tennis world, having helped players like Hewitt, Halep, and Agassi reach Grand Slam heights and maintain the No. 1 ranking. His expertise lies in psychological development and shaping competitive temperament, as noted by Sinner's other coach, Simone: "I handle the tactical details, while Cahill focuses more on mental and emotional control."

Cahill's absence meansSinner will need to rely more on Simone and the team's remote communication if he encounters difficulties during matches. As the last Grand Slam of the year, the US Open carries immense pressure to defend his title, and Cahill's on-site experience could have helped Sinner maintain his composure. However, Cahill has full confidence in his disciple: "Sinner will be stronger after winning at Wimbledon!" This statement not only affirms Sinner's growth but also suggests he is now capable of handling high-pressure situations independently.

Despite Cahill's absence, Sinner's coaching structure remains solid,as a long-term collaborator, he knows Sinner's technical strengths inside and out, especially on hard courts, where Sinner's aggressive playing style has matured. Although Cahill will not be in New York, he can still provide insights through data analysis, pre-match strategies, and post-match reviews. Following his Wimbledon victory, Sinner's mental resilience has significantly improved, and his ability to interpret matches and adapt on the fly has become more autonomous.

In the past, it was not uncommon for top players to adjust their coaching teams temporarily during Grand Slam events: Federer once competed without a fixed coach, relying on his own experience and team support;when Djokovic won Wimbledon in 2022, coach Ivanisevic was not present for the entire tournament, yet Djokovic still defended his title based on experience.

These examples demonstrate that as elite players mature, their dependence on on-site coaches tends to decrease, although the psychological battles in crucial moments may still introduce variables.

Currently, Sinner's competitiveness on hard courts is beyond doubt:with an impressive 85% win rate on hard courts in the 2024 season and three highly regarded hard court Grand Slam titles. The continuous evolution of his serve and forehand makes him a greater threat on fast surfaces. DrawIf he can avoid early encounters with strong rivals like Alcaraz and Djokovic, his path to defending his title will be smoother. However, the unique challenges of the US Open—the noisy atmosphere, humidity during night matches, and the unpredictability of fast courts—may amplify the impact of Cahill's absence.

Cahill's absence may be a passive test, but it also presents an opportunity for Sinner to transform into a true champion. If he can manage the pressures of the US Open independently, it will not only solidify his status as the new king but also prove he has surpassed the dependency on his coach.

As Simone said, "The most important thing is for Sinner to win." Now, the responsibility for winning rests more on Sinner himself. After the US Open, we may witness an even stronger and more mature Jannik Sinner.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Mei )