Boris Becker's secret role in Jannik Sinner success revealed after almost coaching Italian

Boris Becker has suggested that he played a part in helping Jannik Sinner become one of the world's best players. The world No. 2 gave his coaching team a shake-up in 2022, hiring Simone Vagnozzi and renowned Australian tennis coach Darren Cahill. Since then, he's picked up four Grand Slam titles and reached the top of the rankings.

But Becker has now revealed that he was meant to coach Sinner, until his court case and eventual imprisonment got in the way. The retired German tennis star also claimed that he was the one who advised Sinner to hire Cahill, a partnership that has more than paid off.

The six-time Grand Slam champion told Corriere that he previously "never talked about" his potential link-up with Sinner, but confirmed that the rumours were true.

Asked why it never came to fruition, Becker said: Two months later, I was waiting for the London ruling. I told Jannik, I don't know how it'll end, I can't make the commitment. But I didn't want to leave him stranded, so I gave him a couple of names: one was Darren Cahill. For me, the best."

Cahill's future with Sinner is now up in the air. Back in January, he announced that he would be leaving the Italian's camp at the end of the season.

But that seemed to change when Sinner won Wimbledon and joked that he had a bet with Cahill - if he lifted the trophy, he could ask the Aussie to stay in his team.

The 60-year-old has joined Sinner for his last few tournaments of the season in Vienna, Paris and Turin. Then, Sinner says, he must sit down and have a long chat with Cahill, convincing him to stay.

The world No. 2 will be on the lookout for a replacement to join Vagnozzi in his box if Cahill leaves. But it won't be Becker. "Darren won't quit," the German stated.

"As for me, I was convinced Jannik could become the best. At the time, he needed to improve his serve and footwork, but he was unique; his mental abilities were already incredible.

"Today, I'm in a different phase of life; my family is growing, I have a new business. I don't want to be on the road so much, and perhaps the role of coach is starting to feel too limited."

Although Becker came close to joining Sinner's team, he believes the world No. 2 hired the two best men for the job instead.

He added: "Four Grand Slams at 24, I don't think I could have done better than Cahill and Vagnozzi. He wasn't famous when he was drafted, but few understand the game like Simone.

"Team Sinner's success speaks for itself. And it's incredible, considering that Jannik has only been playing seriously since he was 13 or 14."