By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Photo credit: Internazionali BNL d’Italia Facebook
Jannik Sinner marked his return with an impressive journey to the finals in Rome last week.
The World No. 1 is reportedly preparing to welcome a former French Open champ as his new coach in 2026.
Sinner is poised to team up with former No. 1 Carlos Moya, renowned for his previous coaching role with the legendary Rafael Nadal, as per a report from the Russian media outlet Bolshe!
Current coach Darren Cahill, who has successfully guided Sinner, Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, and Simona Halep to the pinnacle of world rankings, announced in January that 2025 will be his last year with the reigning US Open and Australian Open champion. Additionally, Sinner’s long-time co-coach, Simone Vagnozzi, may not be available for weekly travel, prompting Sinner to seek a new coach to complement Vagnozzi’s efforts starting in 2026.
Carlos Moya joined Rafael Nadal’s team in 2016 while Toni Nadal, Rafa’s uncle and original coach, still held the reins. Following Toni’s departure, Moya played an instrumental role in reshaping Nadal’s playing style, allowing him to embrace a more aggressive game.
Exciting news: Carlos Moyá to coach Jannik Sinner!As reported by Bolshe!, the World No. 1 will begin working with the Spanish coach in 2026.
Details here: https://t.co/BgBYK0liOg
— Sofya Tartakova (@CentralCourt) May 20, 2025
In recent interviews, Moya has expressed satisfaction with his time away from the competitive tennis circuit, stating he has received various coaching inquiries but is waiting for the right emotional connection with a player before making a commitment.
If the Bolshe! report holds true, this partnership would see Sinner and high-stakes rival Carlos Alcaraz both under the mentorship of former Spanish No. 1 Grand Slam winners. Alcaraz’s longtime coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, was Moya’s teammate in the Spanish Davis Cup.
Other prominent figures mentioned as potential coaching candidates for Sinner in 2026 include Ivan Ljubicic, a former Indian Wells champion and ex-coach of Roger Federer, and Renzo Furlan, who previously coached Jasmine Paolini, as reported by French publication L’Equipe.
