Jannik Sinner’s Former Coach Reveals Shocking Details of Their Split
In a jaw-dropping revelation, Riccardo Piatti, the ex-mentor of tennis sensation Jannik Sinner, has broken his silence on their highly publicized breakup in 2022. Piatti, who guided Sinner’s career from a young prodigy to a global tennis star, opened up about the reasons behind their abrupt parting ways after a seven-year partnership.
Speaking emotionally to Corriere della Sera, Piatti disclosed the intense impact the separation had on him, confessing, “After Jannik, I admit I had a few months of confusion.” The seasoned coach, aged 66, delved into the dynamics that led to the split, admitting that Sinner harbored resentment towards him for certain on-court issues. Despite the challenges, Piatti staunchly defended his tough coaching approach, emphasizing that it was crucial for Sinner’s ascent to the pinnacle of the tennis world.
Piatti’s unyielding methods bore fruit as Sinner transformed from a promising junior to a formidable Grand Slam contender, clinching three major titles under Piatti’s tutelage. While giving credit to their collaborative team effort, Piatti refrained from claiming sole responsibility for Sinner’s success, stating, “In Jannik and his Slams, I see a lot of the work we did together.”
Even though their professional relationship came to an end, Piatti remains unwavering in his belief in Sinner’s potential. With Sinner currently coachless and gearing up for a return to the court post a three-month hiatus due to the Clostebol case, Piatti expressed optimism about the player’s comeback, predicting a strong resurgence. “He’ll be strong right away. I really believe he can do the Grand Slam this year,” Piatti affirmed confidently.
Three years post their split, Piatti shared that he has found solace in returning to his roots at the prestigious Piatti Tennis Centre in Bordighera, Italy, where he mentors the next generation of tennis talents. Meanwhile, Sinner, now 23, has been dominating the tennis scene, holding the World No. 1 spot for the past 10 months and securing major victories, including back-to-back Australian Open titles and a triumph at the US Open.
However, Sinner faced a setback in February when he received a three-month suspension following a positive Clostebol test in 2024. While the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accepted Sinner’s explanation, the incident sparked controversy among top players, with Novak Djokovic criticizing the ruling and insinuating favoritism in the sport.
As Sinner prepares to make his comeback and continue his quest for tennis glory, the revelations from Piatti shed new light on the intricacies of the player-coach relationship and the challenges that come with nurturing a rising star in the competitive world of professional tennis.
