Abandoning Italy’s team at the Davis Cup, Sinner faces harsh criticism

21/10/2025 17:50:00 sport

Jannik Sinner will not participate with Italy in the Davis Cup finals this year – the competition where the "Azzurri" have claimed the championship for two consecutive years.

World No. 2 Jannik Sinner surprised Italian tennis fans by deciding not to take part in the 2025 Davis Cup finals, despite being a key player who helped the national team secure consecutive titles in recent years.

The 2025 Davis Cup will be held in Bologna from November 18 to 23. Experts expected Sinner to continue leading Italy in pursuit of a third straight title – a feat not achieved since 1971. However, in the announced roster, Sinner's name is absent, replaced by Lorenzo Musetti and Flavio Cobolli who will carry the main responsibilities.

Bỏ rơi tuyển Ý ở Davis Cup, Sinner bị chỉ trích nặng nề-726063 — Jannik Sinner will miss the Davis Cup finals on home soil this year.

The 24-year-old player's decision came just days after winning the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh and ahead of his return to competition at the Vienna Open (Austria). In response to questions, Sinner explained that he needs rest to prepare for the 2026 season.

"My team and I agreed that I need an extra week of rest to start well in Australia. Over the past two years, I haven’t had enough time to properly prepare for the new season.", said the world No. 2.

Although Sinner’s reason is considered reasonable given his recent physical issues at the Shanghai Masters, this decision has stirred controversy in Italy. Among critics, legend Nicola Pietrangeli – a Davis Cup icon and holder of 120 wins for Italy – openly condemned it as "a slap in the face to Italian sports".

Bỏ rơi tuyển Ý ở Davis Cup, Sinner bị chỉ trích nặng nề 726058 — Nicola Pietrangeli with Jannik Sinner at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Davis Cup finals.

Pietrangeli, who reached two Davis Cup finals (1960, 1961) and captained the 1976 championship team, believes the spirit of representing the national colors is fading.

"We are talking about tennis, not war. The Davis Cup is the pinnacle and an honor for every athlete. Sadly, nowadays money seems to matter more than heart.", Pietrangeli criticized.

Despite missing their brightest star, Italy’s team still aims to defend their title on home ground. The opening match against Austria will be the first test for captain Filippo Volandri and his teammates on their path to making history with a third consecutive Davis Cup victory.

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