Jannik Sinner Sparks Debate in Italy by Forgoing Davis Cup
Jannik Sinner’s decision not to participate with Italy in the Davis Cup Finals 8 has sparked an intense debate in his home country. The tennis player, who led Italy to victory in this tournament in the last two years, has chosen to focus on his preparation for the upcoming season. Sinner, currently number two in the world, argues that he prefers to prepare for the Australian Open, where he is the defending champion. “It was not an easy decision, but after Turin (where the ATP Finals are played the week before the Davis Cup), the goal is to start on the right foot in Australia,” Sinner stated.The newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport headlined on its front page: “Sinner, think again.” An editorial in the same newspaper criticized Sinner for mentioning his two victories in the Davis Cup, pointing out that he also defended his title in a lucrative exhibition in Saudi Arabia.It doesn’t seem like it, but a week of preparation in that period can make the difference.
Jannik Sinner
Nicola Pietrangeli, winner of two Roland Garros and considered the most successful Italian tennis player before Sinner, expressed his disappointment: “It’s a big slap in the face for the Italian sports world.” This is not the first time Sinner has faced criticism for not representing Italy. It had already happened at the 2023 Davis Cup and the Paris Olympics. Adriano Panatta, who led Italy to their only other Davis Cup triumph in 1976, defended Sinner’s decision, arguing that team competition is no longer as important as it used to be. “Today, tennis demands complete dedication from players. Players are like CEOs of companies that bear their names,” Panatta wrote. Paolo Bertolucci, also a member of the 1976 team and current television commentator, agreed with Panatta: “I don’t see anything wrong with the decision. Tennis has changed. Nowadays, what matters are the four Grand Slams and the ATP Finals. The rest is secondary.”So you’re not going back to Riyadh for another $6 million? If you win another Wimbledon, won’t you go to London anymore? Pasta, coffee… Every five minutes you promote an Italian product. Do it with tennis too.
Editorial Gazzetta dello Sport
