Sinner Shakes Italy: Criticism for Absence in Davis Cup

Jannik Sinner sparks controversy by withdrawing from the Davis Cup

Jannik Sinner’s decision not to participate with Italy in the final phase of the Davis Cup has sparked a debate in his home country, where he was strongly defended during his doping case. Sinner, currently number two in the world, led Italy to victory in this prestigious team tournament in the last two editions. However, the tennis player has chosen to prioritize his preparation for the upcoming season, instead of competing for another title in Bologna next month.

It wasn’t 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.

Jannik Sinner

The Australian Open, where Sinner is the two-time defending champion, is his main goal. The tennis player explained that a week of preparation in that period can make the difference. The newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport headlined on its front page: “Sinner, think again.” An editorial in the same newspaper criticized Sinner for mentioning that he had already won the Davis Cup twice, pointing out that he also defended his title over the weekend 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.

Editorial de la Gazzetta

Nicola Pietrangeli, winner of two French Opens and the most successful Italian player before Sinner’s arrival, commented that Sinner’s decision is a “big slap in the face to the Italian sports world”. Sinner has been criticized in the past for not representing Italy, as happened in the 2023 Davis Cup and at the Paris Olympics a year later. Adriano Panatta, who led Italy to their only other Davis Cup triumph in 1976, defended the choice of Sinner, noting that team competition is not considered as important as in his playing days. Today, tennis demands complete dedication from players. Players are like CEOs of companies that bear their names. Sinner has won the Davis Cup twice and now needs a break to prepare for his main goals: winning Grand Slams, playing at the level of Carlos Alcaraz, reclaiming the number 1 spot. Those are his priorities. Paolo Bertolucci, also a member of the 1976 team and current television commentator, agreed with Panatta.

I see nothing wrong with the decision. Tennis has changed. Nowadays, what counts are the four Grand Slams and then the ATP Finals. The rest are secondary things.

Paolo Bertolucci