Sinner in the eye of the storm: Italy criticizes his absence from the Davis Cup

Jannik Sinner Sparks Debate After Davis Cup Decision

Jannik Sinner’s recent decision not to participate with Italy in the final phase of the Davis Cup has sparked an intense debate in his home country. The world number two, who led Italy to victory in this tournament in the last two years, has chosen to focus on preparing for the next season, which has provoked various reactions. Sinner argued that he prefers to prepare for the Australian Open, where he is the defending champion, instead of competing in Bologna next month. “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 news has generated mixed reactions, with some media outlets expressing their discontent. A headline in the Gazzetta dello Sport read: “Sinner, think again.” An editorial in the same newspaper criticized Sinner for mentioning his two victories in the Davis Cup, pointing out his participation in a lucrative exhibition in Saudi Arabia.

“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,” said the editorial in the Gazzetta.

Gazzetta dello Sport

Nicola Pietrangeli, Italian tennis legend, called the decision “a great slap in the face to the Italian sports world.” It is important to remember that Sinner received strong support in Italy when he was sanctioned for doping earlier this year. This is not the first time Sinner has faced criticism for not representing Italy, as he was also questioned for his absence from 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 the importance of the team competition has diminished. “Today, tennis demands complete dedication from players. Players are like CEOs of companies that bear their names,” Panatta wrote in Corriere della Sera. “Sinner has won the Davis Cup twice and now needs a break to prepare for his main goals: winning Grand Slams, playing at Alcaraz’s level, and regaining the number 1 spot. Those are his priorities.” Paolo Bertolucci, also a member of the 1976 team and now a television commentator, agreed with Panatta. “I see nothing wrong with the decision,” Bertolucci told Gazzetta. “Tennis has changed. Nowadays, what counts are the four Grand Slams and then the ATP Finals. The rest are secondary things.”