Big trouble! Calls within Italy to revoke all honors awarded to Sinner

Since pulling out of Italy’s 2025 Davis Cup run, Sinner’s difficulties appear to be increasing steadily. Despite acknowledging that “this wasn’t an easy choice,” domestic criticism in Italy has escalated to an all-time high. After former Italian tennis great Nicola Pietrangeli described his decision as “a slap to Italian sports,” the world’s second-ranked player encountered even stronger condemnation.

Exaggerating the matter, Italy’s Consumers, Users and Environmental Protection Coordination Association (Codacons) has called for the revocation of all national honors awarded to Sinner. The organization sharply condemned him, stating that his “decision to abandon the Davis Cup is a slap in the face to Italy, the Italian people, and millions of tennis fans.” Codacons acknowledged that every athlete has the right to make their own choices, especially when personal or financial interests are involved. However, “such choices must be consistent. You cannot enjoy national honors and represent Italy while making completely contradictory sporting decisions.”

The 24-year-old Sinner, after becoming a four-time Grand Slam champion and the first Italian to reach ATP world No. 1, has received numerous honors. He was named “Sports Diplomatic Ambassador” by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and awarded the “Gold Collar for Sporting Merit” by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). Additionally, the city of Turin granted him honorary citizenship. On October 21, Codacons issued a statement saying, “Following Sinner’s refusal to compete in the Davis Cup, Codacons demands the withdrawal of all official honors and titles awarded to this tennis player.”

The association also offered another “suggestion” to the world No. 2. They sarcastically remarked, “If Sinner spent less time endorsing various products, perhaps he would have more energy to better represent his country both on and off the court.”

Interestingly, Sinner recently responded further regarding his decision to withdraw from the Davis Cup. He explained that he simply wanted to “be fully prepared” for the 2026 Australian season. However, after seeing the public backlash, he once again came forward to clarify his stance.

This week, Sinner is competing at the Vienna Open. Hoping to regain his winning rhythm before the year-end finals, he aims to perform solidly in Austria. On Wednesday, he dispatched German player Altmaier in just 58 minutes during the first round.

At the post-match press conference, he not only discussed his performance but was also questioned about the controversy surrounding his Davis Cup withdrawal. When reminded that the public debate is still ongoing, Sinner gave a clear response: “I can say I accept all criticism.” He took full responsibility but added with firm resolve, “I have said everything I needed to say, and there is nothing more to add.”

Clearly, his full focus is now on his campaign in Vienna. On Thursday, he defeated fellow Italian Cobolli in straight sets to advance to the second round, where he will face Kazakh star Bublik on Friday.

Currently, Sinner is striving to give his all in the remaining tournaments of the 2025 season to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking. Since losing the top spot to Alcaraz at the US Open, Sinner has been attempting to regain it. To achieve this goal, he must win three consecutive titles: Vienna, the Paris Masters, and the year-end finals.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)