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.”

Tommy Paul moved to within two match wins of a place in the year-end finals, with the American dispatching Frenchman Quentin Halys 7-6 (3), 6-4 on Thursday to reach the Paris Masters quarter-finals.

Paul stands four spots out of the eight man ATP Finals field with the showdown starting a week from Sunday in Turin.

The world No. 16 sent over 14 aces, but was pipped by the 16 of his opponent from qualifying who saved four match points in the previous round to beat Frances Tiafoe of the US.

Paul, a rather laid-back character at the best of times, said he’s not particularly considering any year-end possibilities.

“I’m not thinking much about it,” he said after victory in 96 minutes, his 49th of the season.

“I’m not even sure who I play next (Friday quarter-finals). I’ll just take it one day at a time.

“I’ll figure it out and be ready for the match tomorrow (against either third-seeded compatriot Ben Shelton of France’s Arhur Rinderknech.

Second seeed Carlos Alcaraz moved into the last eight without hitting a ball due to the injury retirement of Matteo Berrettini.

The pullout sends the Spaniard into the business end of the event as the Italian withdrew with an arm problem.

Berrettini posted on social media: “Hi all, unfortunately the pain in my arm that I’ve had for a few days won’t allow me to take the court tonight…

“In the next few days I will have all the necessary tests to better understand what this is. Thank you all for the support and affection you show me every day on and off the court. Mat.”  

It marked the second Paris retirement of the season for the 30-year-old, who quit in tears in the Roland Garros quarters against compatriot Matteo Arnaldi.

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