“One of the best coaches in the world,” Jannik Sinner opens up about his relationship with coach and former Italian ATP icon Simone Vagnozzi ahead of quarterfinals at Miami Masters

The World No. 3 had kind words for his coach and compatriot as he continued to scale the heights on the ATP Tour.

“One of the best coaches in the world,” Jannik Sinner opens up about his relationship with coach and former Italian ATP icon Simone Vagnozzi ahead of quarterfinals at Miami Masters

Jannik Sinner and Simone Vagnozzi (Image via IMAGO)

World No. 3 Jannik Sinner continues his fine form this season. The Italian has now moved into the quarterfinals of the 2024 Miami Masters. He defeated Christopher O’Connell 6-4, 6-3 to pick up his 19th win of the season. Following the victory, he was all praise for his coach, Simone Vagnozzi. 

Vagnozzi joined Sinner back in February 2022 after the youngster split from childhood coach Riccardo Piatti. Vagnozzi didn’t have a glorious career like Sinner’s, but he sure did earn a reputation as a coach. And he has lived up to it, with Sinner having guided him to his maiden Grand Slam singles title. 

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Under the 40-year-old’s tutelage, Sinner reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and the US Open for the first time. In 2023, the Italian wunderkind made it to the semis at the Championships. He picked up form late in the season but continued it well to win the 2024 Australian Open. 

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Since the title in Melbourne, Sinner won in Rotterdam. He looked set for another piece of silverware but was stopped by arch-rival Carlos Alcaraz in the Indian Wells semis. Alcaraz was the defending champion and eventually went on to retain his title successfully.

Having lost the Miami Masters finals twice in the last three completed editions, Sinner is raring to get his hands on the trophy. As he moved into the quarterfinals, he was asked about the influence of Vagnozzi and what he admired about him. 

No, I think overall, if we watch the technical/tactical side, one of the best coaches in the world, because he doesn't have this straight rule that you have to play in this way, but he sees the player and he tries to adjust it in the way he plays.
Said Sinner speaking in the press conference

Sinner went on to praise how Vagnozzi broke down things for him by wanting to change certain things. The World No. 3 emphasized how technically sound his coach has been and helped him transition and improve his shots. 

I think that's something very, very rare to see, because he watched me playing, we changed the backhand a little bit also technically, because he said, Look, if you do like this it might work better for you. And then you exchange whole things together, and you find the right way. The same thing is with the slice.
Added the Italian

Jannik Sinner calls Simone Vagnozzi’s style ‘unorthodox’

Sinner went on to explain how he has upgraded his slice, hitting it almost as if he is hitting the backhand. He credited this to Vagnozzi finding it unconventional yet bringing good results. He went on to emphasize how important their chemistry has been in finding solutions. 

Simone Vagnozzi and Jannik Sinner
Simone Vagnozzi and Jannik Sinner (Image via IMAGO)
So it's also a little bit unorthodox style sometimes, but in his case, that's the best for me. So I think the best thing that he is doing is that, you know, he understands my point, and we find a right solution to make it happen.
Commented Sinner.

Not only on the technical part, but Sinner also praised Vagnozzi as a person. As the coach had earlier lauded him for not changing despite winning a Grand Slam singles title, Sinner had a similar observation of his coach. 

I can say only this because he also hasn't changed, like, you know, he's the same man as he was last year and now he's the same one. He's just not here, but it's just amazing, and I feel very lucky to have him in my team.
Concluded the World No. 3.

Sinner will now take on surprise quarterfinalist Tomas Machac for a place in the last four. The World No. 60 defeated Matteo Arnaldi in the previous round to reach the quarterfinals. He had previously defeated Andrey Rublev and Andy Murray, securing big wins. 

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