Mats Wilander has theory on why Darren Cahill is leaving Jannik Sinner’s team at the end of 2025

Jannik Sinner is searching for a second consecutive Australian Open title at this year’s tournament.

There are few names bigger in tennis than Sinner, who is currently ranked number one in the world.

The Italian star won the Australian Open in 2024, and is looking to repeat the feat this time around, and has gotten off to a pretty strong start.

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Sinner beat Nicolas Jarry in the first round, 7-6, 7-6, 6-1, as he secured his second career win over the Chilean star.

Then came a test against Australian Wildcard Tristan Schoolkate, who shocked the Italian by taking the first set.

Sinner eventually beat Schoolkate in four sets as he booked his place in the Australian Open third round for the fourth year in a row.

News also broke today, that Sinner’s coach Darren Cahill is preparing to leave his team at the end of 2025, something that one ATP legend has now spoken about.

Mats Wilander thinks Darren Cahill’s ‘mission was complete’ as he prepares to leave Jannik Sinner’s team

Speaking on Eurosport, former world number one Mats Wilander gave his thoughts on the upcoming departure of Cahill from Sinner’s team.

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“I think Darren Cahill has been on tour since 1980, that’s 45 years of travelling,” he said.

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“I think he needs a break and when you turn 60 you will find out.”

Wilander continued, explaining why the move hadn’t come as a shock to him.

“I am not that surprised,” he said.

“He is so complete now Jannik Sinner and the mission was to complete him.

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“With two Majors that might even be a surprise, being number one in the world might be a surprise, but it might be that the teacher has taught the student all he knows and all he can.”

The seven-time Grand Slam champion finished off by predicting what Sinner and Cahill’s relationship will look like in 2026 and beyond.

“I’m sure Darren [Cahill] will be in touch,” he said.

“There’s a lot of relationships where you are in touch and he will obviously be watching his matches on TV and there will be a phone call here and there.”

What has Jannik Sinner said about Darren Cahill’s upcoming departure?

Speaking after his second-round win over Schoolkate, the world number one was keen to praise his outgoing coach.

“He brought me so many things,” said Sinner.

“I feel very, very lucky and happy to be his last player on tour.

“He has been an amazing, amazing coach and person, not only for me but for all the other players he has worked with.

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“For me, it’s just a huge honor, hopefully we can make a nice season, but let’s see.”

Cahill began working with Sinner in 2022, and coached him to two Grand Slam wins, at the 2024 Australian Open, and 2024 US Open.

Darren Cahill coached Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi and Simona Halep to Grand Slam wins

It’s not just Sinner that Cahill enjoyed success with, as he coached three more tennis stars to Grand Slam wins.

Upon retirement from tennis, where Cahill had predominately competed in doubles, he began working with fellow Aussie Lleyton Hewitt.

The pair worked together between December 1998 – December 2001, and enjoyed Grand Slam success at the 2001 US Open, when Hewitt toppled Pete Sampras to take home the title.

Following his split with Hewitt, Cahill joined forces with American star Andre Agassi, from 2002-2006.

It was with Cahill that Agassi became the oldest world number one in May 2003, a few months after picking up the Australian Open title.

Upon Agassi’s retirement, Cahill worked with several players as a member of the Adidas Player Development Programme, before becoming Simona Halep’s coach in 2016.

Under the tutelage of Cahill, Halep became world number one and won the French Open in 2018.

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The pair last worked together in 2021, before Cahill began his successful relationship with Sinner.

If Sinner is the last star to receive the advice and wisdom of Cahill, then he should soak in all he can over the next 12 months, as coaches of the Aussies calibre don’t come around all that often.

Sinner and Cahill will return to action at the Australian Open to take on Marcus Giron, on Saturday, 18 January.

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