2025-07-13T22:21:31Z

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WIMBLEDON, England -- Jannik Sinner's remarkable victory at Wimbledon not only crowned him as the champion but also appears to have a significant influence on his coaching dynamics, particularly regarding Darren Cahill, one of his coaches. The backdrop to this intriguing development lies in a friendly wager made between the two prior to Sinner's final match against Carlos Alcaraz.

Earlier this year, while Sinner was making headlines at the Australian Open, it was announced that Cahill would be stepping away from his role as one of Sinner's two primary coaches at the conclusion of the 2025 season. This news had created a buzz around the tennis community, prompting speculation about the future of Sinner's coaching team.

After triumphing over Alcaraz with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday, Sinner was approached by media representatives who sought clarity on whether Cahill might reconsider his decision to leave. In a somewhat cryptic response, Cahill, who also serves as an analyst for ESPN, suggested the inquiry should be directed towards Sinner.

An Italian reporter took Cahill's advice, posing the question directly to Sinner. The young Italian star responded with a playful smile and an intriguing pause, illustrating the lighthearted yet serious nature of the matter. “It depends,” Sinner began, “Whether I want to tell the truth or not.” He then proceeded to share details of a conversation he had with Cahill the night before the final.

According to Sinner, the two had made a bet prior to the match: if Sinner emerged victorious, he would have the authority to decide whether Cahill would remain on his coaching staff. “We had a bet before the final. He said: 'If you win tomorrow, you can decide whether or not I stay,'” Sinner recounted with a grin. This admission underscores the bond they share, which extends beyond the court, as Sinner values Cahill's honesty and guidance in his life and career.

Sinner expressed his hope that Cahill would continue to be part of his journey. However, he acknowledged that if Cahill decides to stay, it might come with some adjustments. “The season is long. There are a lot of tournaments. You never know,” Sinner observed. He hinted that while Cahill would likely take on a lesser role in terms of traveling extensively on the tour alongside co-coach Simone Vagnozzi, the possibility of their collaboration remains strong. “But let's just say I won the bet, and so we'll see what happens,” Sinner concluded, leaving fans and pundits alike eager for further developments in this exciting chapter of his career.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.