One of the most successful partnerships in modern tennis is coming to an end. The world’s former top player is reshaping his coaching team as he recovers from a knee injury that ended his season.
Jannik Sinner confirmed Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, that coach Darren Cahill is leaving his team after a run that produced five Grand Slam titles and the world No. 1 ranking. Magnus Norman, the former coach of Stan Wawrinka, will join the team next month.
Why is Darren Cahill leaving?
Darren Cahill joined Sinner’s team in June 2022 and had originally planned to step away after the 2025 season. He stayed on for another year before his departure. His decision to stay helped Sinner add more major titles, including a second straight Wimbledon crown this summer.
In a statement, Sinner said Darren Cahill has been an incredibly important part of his journey and that together they achieved things he dreamed of as a child.
He said the five major titles and the No. 1 ranking are achievements he will always treasure, but that the relationship they built means just as much. He also credited Cahill for his honesty and dedication.
What did Darren Cahill say?
Cahill, an Australian, thanked Sinner and the team for welcoming him into what he called a wonderful Italian family. Cahill is one of the most respected coaches in tennis and also works as a television analyst.
He said working with Sinner was a special honor and described him as an amazing young man and a humble, dedicated champion. Trust and honesty only work when they go both ways, Cahill said, calling that one of Sinner’s greatest strengths.
Before Sinner, Darren Cahill coached stars including Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi and Simona Halep, helping several of them reach No. 1. He also once played on tour himself, reaching the semifinals of the U.S. Open in 1988.
Who is Magnus Norman?
Magnus Norman, a Swede who reached No. 2 as a player, will join the team next month and work alongside Simone Vagnozzi, Sinner’s longtime coach. Norman reached the French Open final in 2000, losing to Gustavo Kuerten.
Norman previously coached Stan Wawrinka, helping him win three Grand Slam titles. He also guided Robin Soderling to two French Open finals. Wawrinka won the 2014 Australian Open, the 2015 French Open and the 2016 U.S. Open under his guidance.
Wawrinka played the final match of his career last month in Basel. He was among the few players to beat the sport’s biggest stars in major finals.
Where does Sinner’s career stand?
Sinner, 25, has not played since July, when he beat Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final. He withdrew from the U.S. Open with a right knee injury and announced last month that his season was over. His Wimbledon victory was his fifth Grand Slam title.
Zverev took over the No. 1 ranking this week, ending Sinner’s run at the top. Sinner had held the top spot since April.
Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have dominated the sport in recent years, and Sinner will aim to return to that level next season. Their rivalry has been one of the best in the sport.
What does Darren Cahill’s exit mean for Sinner?
The change comes as Sinner prepares to return from injury in 2027. Vagnozzi provides continuity, while Norman brings experience guiding a player to major titles. The team will have the offseason to adjust before the Australian Open in January.
For Sinner, replacing Darren Cahill will be one of the biggest tests of his team as he tries to reclaim the top spot. Fans will be watching closely when he returns to competition.
