Sinner: Australian Open Is The Goal, But No Rush On Knee

Eyes Australian Open return but won't rush knee recovery

After months on the sidelines with a knee injury, Jannik Sinner is setting his sights on Australia determined to return, but on his own terms.

Sinner targets Australian Open as he welcomes Norman to team...

World No. 2 Jannik Sinner is confident he'll be fit in time for next year's Australian Open, but the Italian insists he won't rush his comeback from the knee injury that ended his season, he said on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old has not played since winning the fifth Grand Slam title of his career at Wimbledon back in July.

“The aim is to get to Australia. I hope to make it there and maybe play a couple of tournaments before that,” Sinner said at a press conference in Milan, where he was appearing as an Allianz Global Brand Ambassador.

“Right now, I need to follow the protocols without rushing things. I have a lot of faith in the process, and I'm working toward that ‌objective.

“Initially, we had an impossible goal for my ⁠return in mind, so we ‌took a different path. I'm a tennis player, not a doctor, so my only option is to trust them.

“I miss playing tennis. Right now, however, it is crucial that I take care of my body, because I want to keep playing for another 10 to 15 years.”

Sinner's road to Wimbledon glory

Sinner Welcomes Norman As Cahill Departs

Sinner appeared at the event alongside Darren Cahill, the coach he split with last week after four years together. Sweden's Magnus Norman has now been brought into Sinner's coaching team.

“You have to ask yourself a lot of questions to get inside the mind of the player you're coaching - that's how you earn his trust,” Cahill said.

“We've built and shaped an incredible team, but 99% of what's been achieved is down to him.”

“He's the one who goes out onto the court. Everyone else contributes the final 1%, and that's what makes the difference.”

Sinner described Cahill as like a “second dad” and said the pair will stay close friends, adding that former world No. 2 Norman had a lot in common with the Australian.

“He worked with (Stan) Wawrinka for many years and has been through a lot,” Sinner said. “He accepts ‌the way we are already working, which is important to me so that I don't have to change everything all over again.

“I ‌need to add 1% each year to improve as a player.”

Cahill played no part in the decision to bring in Norman.

“There's a tweet I wrote back in 2013 about how Norman has the ability to improve every player he coaches,” he said. “It's important that (coach) Simone ⁠Vagnozzi is there to provide continuity.

“I ⁠wasn't involved in the selection ‌process, but I believe it's an excellent choice.”