Brad Gilbert reacts to Jannik Sinner hiring Magnus Norman as his new coach instead of Juan Carlos Ferrero

Jannik Sinner will begin the 2027 season with a new coach after hiring Magnus Norman to replace Darren Cahill.

After a very successful partnership, Cahill will part ways with the Italian, with Sinner appointing Norman in his place. The decision comes after plenty of speculation involving the current world number one and Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Ferrero says he couldn’t turn down Sinner, but that opportunity has disappeared for now after Sinner opted to bring in former ATP number two Norman. His fellow coach Brad Gilbert, who has previously worked with WTA star Coco Gauff, has now reacted to the appointment.

Brad Gilbert welcomes Jannik Sinner hiring Magnus Norman

Speaking on The Big T podcast, Gilbert said of the decision: “It does make the most sense. Remember a few months ago I said that I saw no chance it would be Ferrero, and you just felt like somebody that is going to be joining the team is probably going to have to have a calm demeanour.

“That’s exactly what Magnus has, a lot like Darren. He has got lots of experience. He did an amazing job with Stan. If this is true, I’m sad for my buddy Darren but if he is retiring at least he is retiring on his own terms.

“I think this is a great choice for Jannik and somebody that potentially could be with him for a long time. He’s an easy guy to get along with and I think he will do well with the rest of his team.”

While Sinner’s longstanding coach Cahill will depart the team, Simone Vagnozzi is set to stay on board.

Magnus Norman praised for his amazing work with Stan Wawrinka

Norman has been busy as a coach since his stellar playing career, during which he claimed 12 ATP titles. He has worked with fellow Swedes Thomas Johansson and Robin Soderling, along with Swiss icon Stan Wawrinka.

And his work with the retiring Wawrinka has now been commended by Gilbert, who said: “I remember with Stan he had never really been anywhere near the top 10. What a job they did together. He did one of the greatest coaching jobs ever. The three majors he won.

“The first time he won a major, he gets his very first win against Rafael Nadal in the final of a Slam. All three of his Slam finals were against world number one, undefeated in Slam finals. It’s a remarkable record, what a great career and what a class guy.”

It is certainly an intriguing appointment from Sinner, with Norman set to be under pressure from many to deliver from the very start given what Cahill achieved. Fortunately in that regard, the pair should have plenty of time to work together because of the Italian’s current absence from competitive action.

Sinner has decided to end his season, although he will take part in the Six Kings Slam at the end of the year, suggesting that he will be fit enough to take to the practice courts. The five-time Grand Slam winner should also be really motivated to hit the ground running in 2027, having been unable to play at the likes of the US Open and the upcoming ATP Finals. Moreover, he is set to lose his place at the summit of men’s tennis, with Alexander Zverev about to become world number one.