Magnus Norman will step up to team Sinner as a coach, with the Swede replacing retiring guru Darren Cahill when the Australian leaves at the end of the year.

Sinner’s handlers officially confirmed the worst-kept secret in the sport on Friday, with former Roland Garros champion Norman set to work – as did Cahill – alongside the player’s Italian coach Simone Vagnozzi.

Cahill, who has coached numerous No. 1 players during his career, joined the Sinner side in June, 2022, and led the German-speaking northern Italian to five Grand Slam titles.

The player showed his affection for the mentor he convinced to stay on for this season. But the plan went pear-shaped as Sinner injured his knee and last played at Wimbledon.

He is reportedly due for a soft comeback at the controversial, multi-million dollar late December Saudi exho if that event does, in fact take, place.    

With Cahill and Vagnozzi onside, Sinner won all nine ATPMasters 1000 events, becoming world No. 1 in June 2024.

Sinner spoke fondly of Cahill during an emotional video: “Darren has been an incredibly important part of my journey. Together with Simone and the whole

team, we have achieved things I dreamed of growing up. 

Winning five Grand Slam titles and reaching world No. 1 together are achievements I will always treasure.

“But what means just as much is the relationship we have built along the way.

“I want to thank Darren for his belief in me, his honesty and his dedication. He has helped me grow both as a player and as a person.

“His guidance will stay with me throughout my career. We have shared
so many special moments over the past five years.

“While our coaching partnership is coming to an end, our friendship will continue.”

Cahil returned the favour as he parts ways with his charge.

“Working with Jannik has been a special honor and privilege. He’s an amazing young man and a humble dedicated champion that we are all incredibly proud of.

“Trust, honesty and belief only work when it’s exchanged both ways, and this has been Jannik’s strength as an athlete. 

“It’s also the reason that makes coaching someone like him such a memorable experience.

“I want to thank Jannik, the entire team, and all the fans for welcoming this Aussie into the wonderful Italian family.”

Ben Shelton locked in a Paris Masters quarter-final for a second straight edition on Thursday, defeating Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5).

The third seed matched the 16 aces of his local opponent in front of a home crowd at the Le Defense arena.

Shelton got more comfortable on what many are calling a fast indoor court – though the player himself disagrees.

He rallied after dropping the opening set and slowly worked his way into superiority over Rinderknech, winning on a first match point as his opponent dived for a drop volley but ended up sprawled on the court at the net.

Shelton is already qualified for the ATP Finals starting November 15 in Turin.

He faces year-end contender and US compatriot Tommy Paul, a 7-6 (3), 6-4 winner over France’s Quentin Halys..  

Paul needs two more wins here to stay in contention for Turin, with compatriot Frances Tiafoe also in that mix.

 “It’s been a long time (early 2024) since I’ve been on court with Tommy.  He’s in great form. I’ve been rooting for him to make a big push and make it to Turin.”

Shelton was pleased with how he fought back for victory against Rinderknech. It was a really close match, high quality,” he said. 

“I didn’t touch a ball on break point chances in the third set – he came up with the goods.

“I played a clutch tiebreak and didn’t make any stupid decisions. Sometimes, that is all that you need.

“I’m getting more and more confident each day on this court.”

Main photo:- Ben Shelton into Paris quarters – by ISF Ltd

Carlos Alcaraz began his Paris Masters run with a 7-6 (4), 6-3 defeat of Alex Michelsen to run his current win streak to six games in a row with his Wednesday success at the Paris Masters.

The former No. 1 came to Paris after a fourth of the season obtained at the weekend in Vienna and dispatched his American opponent inless than two hours.

Alcaraz rallied from a 4-1 deficit in the opening set tiebreaker to stamp his authority on the second-round match, relying on 19 forehand winners.

“I tried to be focussed on every shot,” the winner said. I needed to see how the balls react  (on the fast surface).

“I had not seen the court before and I needed to gather as much information as possible at the beginning.  

“He was playing solid from the baseline. I’m happy with how my first match went and the feeling I got.

“I can’t wait to get back onto court tomorrow.”

Alcaraz will face off next against Matteo Berrettini.

Main photo:- Carlos Alcaraz wins opening match in Paris Masters – ISF Ltd