Jannik Sinner reshapes his team after injury setback as Darren Cahill's future takes a twist

Sunday, 25 October 2026 at 04:30

Jannik Sinner is making changes ahead of his return to tennis in 2027, appointing a new medical team to oversee his recovery from a right knee injury while meeting Darren Cahill in Monte Carlo to discuss their future. The Italian has not played since winning Wimbledon on July 12 and announced on October 6 that his 2026 season was over.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Cahill travelled to the Principality to meet Sinner as uncertainty continues over whether the Australian will leave the coaching team at the end of the year, as previously expected, or extend his stay into the 2027 season.

The discussions come after a successful partnership that began in 2022. Under Cahill and fellow coach Simone Vagnozzi, Sinner has won all five of his Grand Slam titles, 10 Masters 1000 trophies and two ATP Finals crowns, while reaching world No. 1. Their next decision could determine who guides the Italian through his comeback and the start of the new season.

Sinner changes medical team after knee injury setback

Sinner has turned to orthopaedic specialist Herbert Schoenhuber, under the supervision of Alberto Zangrillo, clinical director at San Raffaele, as he reorganises the medical structure overseeing his recovery. According to La Gazzetta, he will no longer rely on J Medical, the facility that had previously treated him.

The change follows a recurrence of pain in his right knee caused by inflammation of the iliotibial band. After returning to the court to prepare for the Asian swing, Sinner experienced renewed discomfort and ultimately decided to stop competing for the remainder of 2026 rather than risk a longer-term problem.

Jannik Sinner making speech while holding trophy

Since his announcement on October 6, his treatment has focused on rest and physiotherapy. La Gazzetta reports that he could begin on-court tests as early as next week to assess the knee's response before increasing his workload. No return date has been confirmed, with the Australian Open in January the main target for his comeback.

A possible appearance at the Six Kings Slam, scheduled for December 27-30, has also been discussed. The exhibition could provide an opportunity to test himself against elite opposition before the new season, but participation would depend on his recovery progressing without complications.

Could Cahill stay until Roland Garros 2027?

Cahill's contract is due to expire at the end of 2026, and the Australian had previously indicated that he intended to step away from coaching. However, Sinner's absence during the second half of the season has opened the possibility of extending their partnership to give the player continuity during his return.

The most likely scenario is for Cahill to remain through the Australian Open. A longer extension until Roland Garros has also emerged as a possibility, potentially keeping the Australian alongside Sinner through the first major stretch of the 2027 season before a planned coaching transition.

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Cahill's influence has extended well beyond match preparation. He has helped Sinner develop into a five-time Grand Slam champion and a multiple-time winner at the sport's biggest events, working alongside Vagnozzi during the Italian's rise to the top of the rankings.

For now, neither an extension nor a departure date has been confirmed. The immediate priority is to restore Sinner's fitness and establish how quickly he can return to full training. The meeting in Monte Carlo gives the pair an opportunity to discuss both the recovery plan and the future of a partnership that has delivered the most successful period of the Italian's career.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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