Jannik Sinner has received resounding support as he prepares to enter the ATP Finals as the heavy favorite, with his coach Darren Cahill backing him to handle the immense pressure that comes with such a status. Cahill, who has been instrumental in guiding the Italian star’s meteoric rise, expressed immense confidence in his pupil’s ability to thrive on the big stage, telling *Corriere Della Sera*, “Every time Jannik steps on the court, you expect him to win.” This expectation is not unfounded; Sinner’s performance in the 2024 season has been nothing short of phenomenal.
The 23-year-old Italian sensation will cap off the year as the ATP’s No. 1 player, having enjoyed a career-defining season. With a tour-leading seven titles to his name, Sinner has also reached eight finals and boasts an incredible 65-6 win-loss record. Among his triumphs this year, two stand out as the crowning jewels of his career: his victories at the Australian Open and the US Open. The young star further solidified his place at the top of the game by adding three ATP Masters 1000 trophies to his collection, a testament to his dominance across different surfaces and tournaments.
Sinner’s US Open victory was particularly notable due to the immense pressure he faced as the tournament’s top seed. “He was being chased by everyone,” Cahill remarked, emphasizing the weight of expectations that rested on Sinner’s shoulders in New York. Despite this, the Italian emerged victorious, demonstrating remarkable poise and resilience. However, Cahill remains realistic, acknowledging that winning is never guaranteed, especially when facing formidable opponents like Carlos Alcaraz. Three of Sinner’s six defeats this year have come at the hands of the Spanish star. “Alcaraz has beaten him three times this year, Jannik’s only success came in Riyadh, a qualifying exhibition,” Cahill noted.
Nevertheless, Cahill remains optimistic about Sinner’s chances at the ATP Finals in Turin. “Each of the eight players is a favorite in Turin,” he said, but highlighted Sinner’s strong connection to the venue. “Jannik is supported by memories: here he took a run-up for 2024, which opened with success in Australia. He likes the court, the city, the atmosphere, the fans are everything to him.” With these favorable conditions and his proven ability to handle high-pressure situations, Cahill believes it will be extremely difficult for anyone to defeat Sinner in Turin. “He has already shown that he can handle the pressure of being the favorite of a Slam in New York, he will do it here too,” he asserted confidently.
Yet, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for Sinner this year. Off the court, he faced a significant challenge when he became embroiled in a doping controversy. In March, the tennis world was rocked by news that Sinner had tested positive for Clostebol, a banned substance, at the Indian Wells Open. Although he was allowed to continue playing and was eventually cleared of wrongdoing by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) in August, the saga remains unresolved. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has since appealed the ITIA’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), leaving Sinner’s status in limbo.
Despite this cloud of uncertainty, Sinner has exhibited remarkable leadership and strength of character. Cahill, who has seen his fair share of champions in his coaching career, praised Sinner’s resilience. “After what he went through, he understood that in life he can survive everything: nothing can scare him anymore,” Cahill stated. “Two Slams, the year-end No 1: Jannik is an inspiration for me too, even though I’m an experienced coach.”
The doping controversy, while a serious and potentially career-altering issue, has not diminished Sinner’s resolve. “Everyone talks about the team that surrounds him, how important we are to him. But the opposite is also true: he is the leader, he is the one who leads the way,” Cahill emphasized. Sinner’s unwavering belief in his innocence has allowed him to move forward with his head held high, despite the ongoing appeal by WADA. “Of course, WADA has appealed, we must wait for the CAS ruling. It is a serious matter, let’s not joke about it. Jannik is moving forward with his head held high, in the meantime.”
As Sinner prepares for the ATP Finals, he carries with him not just the weight of expectation but also the knowledge that he has faced and overcome adversity, both on and off the court. His remarkable season is a testament to his talent, resilience, and leadership. Whether he adds another title to his already glittering 2024 campaign remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Jannik Sinner has proven he belongs at the very top of the sport, and he’s not done yet.