Jannik Sinner’s Coach Reveals Tense Confrontation at Shanghai Masters – “Had to Reprimand Him”

We, as fans and spectators, only know what we’re shown. A half-picture at best. The real deal is what’s behind the backstage because that’s where the real coaching work happens. And sometimes, things aren’t as pretty as we imagine. Fights, conflicts, and disagreements constitute a major part of a coaching journey, and, subsequently, Jannik Sinner’s coach revealed the ifs and buts they endured through the season.

Sinner topped his dream year after guiding Italy towards their second consecutive Davis Cup victory in Malaga. He arrived at the annual group event fresh off his maiden ATP Finals triumph, which was followed up by a long list of tour-level wins – the Shanghai Masters, US Open, and Cincinnati Masters, among others. However, it wasn’t all a fairy tale story come to life for the Italian star. He was caught in the middle of a nasty doping controversy after testing positive for a banned anabolic earlier this year at Indian Wells.

Despite being awarded a ‘no guilt or negligence’ verdict by the ITIA, the World No. 1 faced a brutal backlash from the community as he continued touring without facing the music. Regardless, Sinner was not to be denied. The Italian sensation proved why he deserves to be on top as he managed his on-court temper, performance, and athletic finesse with a calm yet fierce footing. After finishing the season as year-end No. 1, his coach, Simone Vagnozzi, recently won the Marche Award. And when he did, the Italian coach revealed some intriguing anecdotes from their season working together.

Though Vagnozzi refrained from talking about arguments, he highlighted he was forced to “reprimand” Sinner following an incident during their Shanghai campaign. He said, “I wouldn’t talk about an argument, if anything, there was some discussion, some confrontation. Lately, on the court in Shanghai, I had to reprimand him for an impatient gesture. However, every day is different when you play, so it’s okay to let off steam, but Sinner has exemplary behavior in every situation.” Whatever happened, it was for the best. It was Sinner for the win.

By the look of it, Sinner still isn’t done impressing fans, despite the tour-level calendar concluded.

Jannik Sinner finishes 2024 as fans’ favorite for the second consecutive year

Italian superstar Jannik Sinner became the first from his land to become the World No. 1 and that is just one of the many firsts the 23-year-old visited this season. He added eight tour-level titles to his impressive resume, and as a result of his thrilling showdowns, was voted as Fans’ Favorite Singles Player in the annual ATP awards again this year.

Later, the World No. 1 uploaded a video addressing fans on his latest feat. He said, “I just want to thank all the fans around the world for voting for me. It means so much to me because the votes are coming from all of you. You are the reason why I love to play tennis. The support has been amazing throughout this whole season.”

The Italian sensation will next take to the court for the Australian hardcourt swing. Sinner will aim to defend his title in Melbourne, and if things roll his way, chances are that the World No. 1 will repeat as the Australian Open champion in 2025!