LONDON — The tennis world has been captivated by the meteoric rise of Jannik Sinner, but a fascinating subplot to his Australian Open triumph and subsequent ascent to World No. 1 involves a near-miss collaboration with a legend of the game. Boris Becker, the six-time Grand Slam champion and former coach of Novak Djokovic, has revealed that he was on the verge of coaching the Italian sensation before Sinner's team ultimately opted for a different path.
In a candid discussion on the Eurosport podcast ‘Das Gelbe vom Ball’, Becker disclosed the details of the advanced talks, shedding light on a pivotal "what if" moment in modern tennis. "It's no secret that I was in very concrete, very far-reaching talks with Jannik Sinner," Becker stated. The German icon confirmed that the discussions progressed to the point where he was preparing to travel to Monaco to finalize the partnership.
The Monaco Meeting That Never Was
Becker described how the initial contact was made and the rapid progression of negotiations. "I was contacted by his management, and we had several video calls. It was about the general conditions, the calendar, the goals. It was all very professional and very promising," he recounted. The plan was for Becker to fly to Sinner's training base in Monte Carlo for a face-to-face meeting, a trip that was ultimately canceled at the eleventh hour.
The reason for the cancellation, according to Becker, was a strategic decision from within Sinner's existing camp. "At the end of the day, his long-time coach Simone Vagnozzi and the whole team probably said, 'We don't need anyone else from the outside,'" Becker explained, displaying a clear understanding of the dynamics at play. He expressed no bitterness, instead acknowledging the loyalty Sinner has to the team that guided him from his junior days.
Becker's Indirect Influence on Sinner's Success
Despite the coaching deal falling through, Becker claims a piece of Sinner's success belongs to him, albeit indirectly. He revealed that during their detailed discussions, he provided a comprehensive analysis of Sinner's game and a roadmap for improvement—a blueprint that he believes the Italian's team subsequently implemented. "I gave them a complete concept," Becker asserted.
This "concept" reportedly focused on key areas where Sinner, already a top-10 player, needed to evolve to win major championships. Becker identified several critical components that were central to his proposed plan, many of which have become hallmarks of Sinner's recent dominance. The core tenets of Becker's advice included:
- A significant improvement in his net game and overall court positioning.
- Developing a more aggressive return stance, particularly on the second serve.
- Adding subtle variations to his powerful but predictable baseline game.
- Forging a much stronger and more consistent mental approach.
"If you look at how he plays now, he comes to the net more often, he has improved his volley, he has become more aggressive on the return—especially on the second serve—and he has the self-confidence to win major tournaments. I saw that, and I told him that," Becker said, drawing a direct line from his advice to Sinner's current, more complete, playing style.
The Proof is in the Performance: Sinner's Meteoric Rise
Since those talks with Becker broke down in mid-2023, Sinner's career has followed a trajectory that seems to mirror the German's proposed blueprint. Later that year, he led Italy to the Davis Cup title, showcasing a newfound mental fortitude. This was followed by his breakthrough Grand Slam victory at the 2024 Australian Open, where he famously defeated Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.
Most tellingly, Sinner's game has visibly transformed in the areas Becker highlighted. His transition from a pure baseline hitter to an all-court threat has been remarkable. Analysts have consistently praised his improved willingness to finish points at the net, a tactical shift that has made him a more versatile and dangerous opponent on all surfaces.
The Djokovic Factor and Mental Fortitude
Becker, having intimately coached Djokovic during a period of similar dominance, also emphasized the mental aspect of the game to Sinner. He knew that toppling the 'Big Three' legacy required not just technical skill, but an unshakable belief. "You have to believe you are the best, even when you are not yet No. 1," was a core part of his message.
This mental shift has been evident in Sinner's performances. His comeback victory against Medvedev in the Australian Open final, overcoming a two-set deficit, demonstrated a resilience that was previously questioned. His subsequent rise to the World No. 1 ranking in June 2024, after winning the ATP tournament in Halle, cemented his status as the man to beat.
No Regrets, Only Praise from Both Sides
Becker holds no ill will over the decision. He has publicly praised Sinner's current team, led by Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill, for the superb job they have done. "They have done a sensational job. You can't argue with success," he conceded, acknowledging the results speak for themselves.
For his part, Sinner has always spoken highly of his team's cohesion and shared vision. While he has never publicly commented on the talks with Becker, his commitment to Vagnozzi and Cahill is absolute. Their strategy of incremental, focused improvement has clearly paid the highest dividends, validating their decision to keep the coaching circle tight-knit.
The revelation adds a compelling layer to Sinner's narrative. It suggests that his path to the top was scrutinized and validated by one of the game's sharpest tactical minds before a single ball was struck in his triumphant 2024 season. Becker's analysis, it seems, was prescient.
In the end, Becker's role in the Jannik Sinner success story is that of a ghostwriter—an influential voice who helped draft the plan, even if he wasn't the one to execute it on the front lines. "I saw the potential and I told him how to unlock it," Becker stated. The tennis world is now witnessing the spectacular results of that unlocked potential.