Cahill: "Our mission is to prepare Sinner for his peak at age 30"
After a sparkling season, Jannik Sinner chose to skip the Davis Cup, a decision that immediately caused a lot of talk and which his coach, Darren Cahill, has addressed.
"As coaches, we have many responsibilities, including helping him reach his peak between 28 and 30 years old. This year, we will have two extra weeks to train thanks to the Davis Cup and the fact that the Australian Open starts a week later.
A choice like that can have effects on him in three or four years. Furthermore, we constantly tell him not to participate in exhibitions or small tournaments that pay a lot of money, because we need those free weeks.
We love the Davis Cup and would like to participate as much as possible, but the truth is that last year, I was the one who told him not to play the Davis Cup, but he wanted to defend the title.
However, two consecutive years would have represented a considerable effort. That's why I want you to understand that these decisions are not easy. They are difficult, but they are carefully considered."
So, Team Sinner is looking at the long term. And Cahill, who has previously coached Simona Halep and Lleyton Hewitt, knows how crucial managing the schedule and fatigue is to building a lasting champion.