Jannik Sinner's withdrawal from the Davis Cup has been criticized as being driven by money and forgetting his original intentions, but a tennis legend has responded, stating that withdrawing is his personal choice.

Italian tennis sensation Jannik Sinner declared his absence from the Davis Cup Finals scheduled in Bologna from November 18 to 23, a move that has caused considerable debate within Italy's tennis community.

In his withdrawal statement, the current world number two explained that due to the lengthy season and ongoing physical issues after the US Open, he and his team decided he needs an additional week of rest to ensure peak condition for winter training.

“Because the season at the end of the year is very long, I need an extra week of rest to start training earlier. My goal is to defend my title at the Australian Open,” Sinner explained. He added, “In the past two years, I haven’t been at my best due to insufficient time, so we believe this is the right decision.”

It is worth noting that Sinner has previously helped Italy win the Davis Cup twice. Although his withdrawal this year is disappointing, his reasons are understandable: firstly, given his recurring injuries after Wimbledon this season, it makes sense to skip some events to rest fully; secondly, Italy has a strong player pool, with stars like Berrettini and rising talents like Cobolli, so defending the title remains possible even without Sinner.

Nevertheless, Sinner’s choice has stirred much debate. Leading the criticism is Italian tennis legend Nicola Pietrangeli. The 92-year-old, a two-time French Open champion, bluntly called it “a slap in the face to Italian sport.”

Pietrangeli expressed his confusion and anger in a statement to ANSA: “I don’t understand when he says this was a tough decision. We are talking about playing tennis, not going to war. The Davis Cup is the highest honor, and every athlete’s goal is to wear the blue jersey.”

This legendary figure, who has witnessed decades of tennis evolution, lamented, “Unfortunately, I realize I’m speaking of a different era. I hope players won’t compete elsewhere during the Davis Cup. I see today’s world driven by money, with the original passion forgotten.”

However, not everyone in the tennis world has criticized Sinner’s decision. Former Davis Cup champion Paolo Bertolucci was quick to defend him.

“I believe Sinner, as a free agent, should manage his tour schedule and career path as he sees fit,” Bertolucci stated.

He further explained, “He led us to two Davis Cup victories. Tennis isn’t like football; he doesn’t owe anything to the federation or the team. Yes, he trains himself and has the right to decide where and when to play.”

Bertolucci concluded, “The Davis Cup is not the most important event; Grand Slams and the Finals are. His decision doesn’t show a lack of loyalty because we must remember he has already brought us two Davis Cup wins.”

Another Italian tennis veteran, Adriano Panatta, sought to take a more balanced view of the controversy: “For me, Paul, Corrado, Antonio, and even our former Pietrangeli and everyone else, refusing would never have crossed our minds.”

Yet he also expressed understanding: “Today’s tennis demands players’ full commitment, almost like a sacrifice. Players are CEOs of their own brand, like soldiers preparing for a mission.”

Panatta pointed out that Sinner now needs rest to pursue his ambitions: “Winning a Grand Slam, competing with Alcaraz, reclaiming the top ranking—these are his priorities.”

The Davis Cup Finals will be held from November 18 to 23 in Bologna, Italy. As hosts and defending champions, the Italian team aims for a “three-peat.”

Italy’s first quarterfinal match will be on November 19 against Austria. Meanwhile, other top players such as world number one Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev have confirmed their participation for their countries.

In fact, the shifts in the tennis world are clearly reflected in the Davis Cup debate. The older generation represented by Pietrangeli values national honor above all, while Sinner operates within a globalized tennis industry, balancing personal career and national duty.

Regarding Sinner’s withdrawal, perhaps the Italian captain Volandri’s words provide the best conclusion to this controversy: “The Davis Cup is now and will always be his home. I believe Sinner will soon rejoin the team.”(Source: Tennis Home; Author: Lu Xiaotian)