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Magnus Norman’s History with Andre Agassi and His New Role Coaching Jannik Sinner

On Monday evening, it was confirmed that Magnus Norman, currently coaching Stan Wawrinka, will join forces with world number one Jannik Sinner for the 2027 ATP season. Norman succeeds Australian coach Darren Cahill, who has been working with Sinner since 2022.

Like Sinner, Norman had a successful career on the ATP tour, reaching a career-high ranking of world number two and making it to the 2000 Roland Garros final. However, his past includes a notable clash with eight-time Grand Slam winner Andre Agassi.

The 1999-2000 Dispute Between Agassi and Norman

Andre Agassi completed the Career Grand Slam in 1999 after winning Roland Garros. The following year, he failed to defend his title, losing in the second round to Slovakian Karol Kucera. Agassi struggled with a painful blister on his right toe during that match, which hampered his performance.

“This thing is burning like a son of a b****,” Agassi told his trainer during the match, according to the Los Angeles Times.

After Agassi’s loss, Norman, who was seeded third at the 2000 French Open, criticized Agassi’s approach publicly.

“I think he started a trend,” Norman said, referring to Agassi. “He did this three years ago when he was going down, pulling out of tournaments. He doesn’t play as many tournaments as usual. I can see in his eyes he’s not really as hot as he was last year. I’m not really surprised.”

Norman went on to describe Agassi’s eyes, noting changes compared to previous years.

“I can see it in his eyes,” the Swede added. “Like last year, and even down in Australia, his eyes were like this big, you know. Now they’re getting a little bit smaller.”

Months later, Agassi responded to Norman’s remarks in an interview with the New York Times.

“He doesn’t know what pressure is yet,” Agassi said. “Pressure is when you have everything to lose, when you’ve been there and you have to defend it day after day.”

Norman’s Journey to the 2000 Roland Garros Final

Born in Filipstad, Sweden, Norman delivered some of his finest tennis in 2000. Earlier that year, he reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open before making a strong run at Roland Garros. On his way to the final, he defeated Thierry Guardiola, Fabrice Santoro, Sargis Sargsian, 1999 finalist Andrei Medvedev, Marat Safin, and Franco Squillari.

In the championship match, Norman faced Gustavo Kuerten, the fifth seed from Brazil. Just four weeks prior, Norman had beaten Kuerten in the Italian Open final with scores of 4–6, 6–4, 6–4.

Kuerten reversed the outcome in Paris, winning 6–2, 6–3, 2–6, 7–6 on Court Philippe Chatrier after a 3 hour and 44 minute battle.

“Every time I thought I was going to win, and then it was one more, and one more, and one more,” Kuerten said following the match.

Andre Agassi’s Grand Slam Titles

  • 1992 Wimbledon
  • 1994 US Open
  • 1995 Australian Open
  • 1999 Roland Garros
  • 1999 US Open
  • 2000 Australian Open
  • 2001 Australian Open
  • 2003 Australian Open

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