"Gave me chills" - Jannik Sinner reveals how coach Darren Cahill's compliment about his parents before US Open final had 'special effect' on him
Jannik Sinner revealed that his coach, Darren Cahill, had given him a heartfelt compliment before the US Open final, referencing his parents. The World No. 1 won his second Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows.
Sinner faced Taylor Fritz in the US Open final and beat him 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 to win become the first Italian men's singles champion at the New York Major. He also became the first player from his country to win a singles event since Flavia Pennetta in 2015.
After the win, the 23-year-old spoke about a compliment he got from coach Darren Cahill before the final, calling it the best one he has received. Cahill told the World No. 1 that his parents were proud of him more than anyone.
"The best compliment I got was from Darren before the final. He said: Do you know who the two people who are most proud of you are? Your parents. That gave me chills. Him being a father, it had a special effect on me because he knows exactly what I've been through," Sinner said (via Giorgio Spalluto).
Jannik Sinner dedicates US Open triumph to aunt
Jannik Sinner dedicated his US Open triumph to his maternal aunt, who was ill, emphasizing her significant role in his life..
"She is very important. She struggles with health at the moment. You can’t really do anything, so it’s a tough moment not only for me, because it’s also the sister of my mom, so all things considered, it’s not an easy moment for our family. But in another way, I tried to bring something positive home and tried to give her a little bit of strength. I don’t know how much it can help, but I just try my best," Sinner told the Today Show.
The Italian's US Open triumph takes his season's tally to 55 wins out of 60 matches so far, with six titles to his name. He has won two Grand Slams, two Masters 1000 titles in Miami and Cincinnati, and two ATP 500 titles in Rotterdam and Halle. He has a massive lead at the top of the ATP rankings, being over 4000 points ahead of World No. 2 Alexander Zverev.
Sinner will not compete in the group stage of the Davis Cup Finals and will next compete at the China Open in Beijing, which he won last year after beating Daniil Medvedev in the final.