Darren Cahill: Jannik Sinner watches more Carlos Alcaraz matches than he does with any other player

On Sunday, Darren Cahill completed a coaching Career Grand Slam when Jannik Sinner outdueled Carlos Alcaraz over four sets to win his first Wimbledon title.

It marked the duo’s fourth major triumph together (alongside co-coach Simone Vagnozzi) since the start of 2024, following back-to-back Australian Open titles and the US Open.

In snapping a five-match losing streak against Alcaraz, Cahill highlighted Sinner's desire to learn from his greatest competition as a source of inspiration to drive his own game forward.

“I would say that Jannik watches more Carlos matches than he does anybody else because he's fascinated with the improvements that are coming in his game. He's pushing us as coaches to make sure that he's improving also as a tennis player as well,” the 59-year-old told press.

“So the rivalry is real. It's there. And hopefully it's going to be there and real for the next 10 or 12 years.”

The victory was a celebration of how Sinner turned agony into even greater motivation. At Roland Garros, the world No. 1 experienced a defeat as excruciating as it gets—losing from three championship points up to Alcaraz.

But as Cahill notes, the signs that Sinner was prepared to turn the page were clear before he stepped out to compete at the grass-court major.

“We didn't speak about Roland Garros within 24 hours after the match, because the way he played, the attitude that he had on court, the effort that he gave, it was faultless, and he was just beaten by a better player in the end,” he reflected. “We talked a little bit about his game, maybe being a little bit braver in the bigger moments. But beyond that, again, I know we keep saying it, but we could not have been more proud of the way he played across in Paris.

“For us it was important to move forward as quickly as possible. The leading week to Wimbledon, The Championships, was the best practice week we've ever had with him as far as attitude, as far as form.”

I would say that Jannik watches more Carlos matches than he does anybody else because he's fascinated with the improvements that are coming in his game. He's pushing us as coaches to make sure that he's improving also as a tennis player as well. Darren Cahill

The legendary Australian coach first led Lleyton Hewitt to his maiden major at the 2001 US Open, ahead of guiding Andre Agassi to his final Grand Slam trophy at the 2003 Australian Open. In 2018, Cahill was at the helm when Simona Halep joined the major winner's club as a Roland Garros champion.

The Adelaide native later joined Sinner in 2022 after the Italian decided to shake up his team. Earlier this year, Cahill announced that 2025 would be his final season with Sinner. Those plans may now just be plans, as the two would reveal Sunday evening.

“I don't want to answer this,” smiled Cahill. “You know what, you just need to ask Jannik that. Ask Jannik.”

Said Sinner when the subject came up with Italian media, “We had a bet before the final. He said: ‘If you win tomorrow, you can decide whether or not I stay.’ 'Now the choice is mine. I've always looked for a person who is honest, a person who gives me a lot, not necessarily only on the tennis court, but (about) how to live.”