Agassi example should do fine for Sinner

Jannik Sinner’s team is lifting directly from Andre Agassi’s old-school strategy and only unleashing their man onto court in time for next month’s Australian Open.

Besides a one-match exhibition commitment in the days just prior to the major in Melbourne, the Italian’s calendar has been cleared for the Grand Slam run-up.

But the strategy has been well-tested by the coach of the ATP No. 4 Darren Cahill, the master planner who coached American Agassi in his heyday more than two decades ago.

The Australian explained the plan:

“The Davis Cup (which Italy won only weeks ago) made the difference: five more matches (played) in Malaga, which ended on November 26.

“That was longer than we thought, so we decided not to stress Jannik with a tournament before Melbourne to protect his mind and body.”

Former player Cahill added: “It’s the strategy I used with Agassi in the five years I trained him.

“This way Sinner has room to recover and ski these days in moderation. Starting from scratch (in Melbourne) will be decisive .”

Sinner, 22, a former junior ski racing champion in his native Italian Dolomites, has been spending the occasional off-day at home on the slopes, with the obligatory video of him in action posted on social media.