Carlos Moya, Rafael Nadal’s former coach and the 1998 French Open champion, has firmly debunked rumors that he will take over as Jannik Sinner’s coach in 2026, calling the reports “fake news as big as a house” in an interview with Radio Nacional de España on May 21, 2025. The speculation, initially reported by Russian outlet Bolshe!, suggested Moya would replace Darren Cahill, who announced his retirement from Sinner’s team at the end of 2025. Moya clarified that no discussions have taken place, stating, “It’s completely untrue. I haven’t spoken to anyone about coaching Sinner.”
The rumor emerged amid Sinner’s stellar 2024 season, which included Australian Open and US Open titles, and Cahill’s successful partnership with co-coach Simone Vagnozzi, earning them the 2023 ATP Coach of the Year Award. Moya’s denial was fueled by his loyalty to Nadal, with whom he worked from 2016 to 2024, and the unlikelihood of coaching a rival to Nadal’s compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, as noted by Tennis Infinity. Posts on X, such as one from @News18Sports, amplified Moya’s statement, with fans like @TennisFan123 praising his clarity in quashing the “baseless” claim.
Moya’s rebuttal leaves Sinner’s coaching future uncertain as the world No. 1 prepares for the 2025 French Open, starting May 25, where his clay-court game faces scrutiny against Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. The incident underscores the prevalence of unverified rumors in tennis, with Moya’s swift response ensuring focus remains on Sinner’s Roland Garros campaign rather than coaching speculation.
