Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1, has reportedly made a significant coaching change by hiring Carlos Moya, Rafael Nadal’s former coach, to replace Darren Cahill starting in the 2026 season. Moya, a former world No. 1 and 1998 French Open champion, brings a wealth of experience, having guided Nadal to multiple Grand Slam titles during their collaboration from 2016 to 2024. This move, reported by sources like Sportskeeda and Tennis Tonic, is seen as a strategic step for Sinner to enhance his clay-court game, particularly with an eye on dominating at Roland Garros, given Moya’s expertise on the surface.
The decision follows Cahill’s announcement that 2025 would be his final year with Sinner, prompting speculation about potential replacements. Sinner’s former coach, Riccardo Piatti, had previously endorsed Moya as an ideal fit, citing his experience as a top player and his understanding of the tour’s demands. Posts on X, including from @CentralCourt and @Olly_Tennis_, reflect excitement about the partnership, with some fans suggesting Moya could refine Sinner’s serve-and-volley tactics and leverage training opportunities at Nadal’s academy in Mallorca.
Moya’s appointment is expected to bolster Sinner’s already formidable game, which has seen him win two Grand Slams in 2024 (Australian Open and US Open). His recent comments, as noted on X, indicate a focus on addressing specific areas of improvement, with Moya stating, “He’s already done so much in this sport… I was brought in to take care of that problem,” hinting at targeted technical or strategic enhancements. This coaching switch aligns with Sinner’s ambition to maintain his dominance and challenge rivals like Carlos Alcaraz, especially on clay, where Moya’s expertise could prove pivotal.
Novak Djokovic’s recent remarks about his own motivation and new coaching setup with Dušan Vemić suggest a parallel narrative of top players seeking fresh perspectives. While Djokovic aims to stay competitive at 38, Sinner, at 23, is positioning himself for long-term success. Moya’s track record with Nadal, combined with Sinner’s aggressive baseline play, could make this partnership a game-changer for the 2026 season.
