Sinner sparks controversy in Italy due to absence from Davis Cup

Jannik Sinner sparks controversy by withdrawing from the Davis Cup with Italy

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 in the past. Sinner, currently number two in the world, led Italy to victory in this team tournament in the last two years. However, he 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

Sinner referred to the Australian Open, where he is a two-time defending champion. “It doesn’t seem like it, but a week of preparation in that period can make the difference,” Sinner commented to Sky Italia on Monday from Vienna, where he is playing this week. “We already won the Davis Cup in 2023 and 2024 and this time we decided like this with my team.” The headline on the front page of Tuesday’s Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper was: “Sinner, think again.” An accompanying editorial criticized Sinner for saying 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 Gazzetta dello Sport

Nicola Pietrangeli, winner of two French Opens and the most successful Italian player until Sinner’s arrival, added: “It’s a slap in the face to Italian sport.” The Italians widely defended Sinner when he was sanctioned with a three-month doping suspension in February. It’s not the first time Sinner has been criticized for not representing Italy. It happened when he didn’t play the Davis Cup in 2023 and when he didn’t participate in 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 the team competition is not considered as important as in his playing days.

Nowadays, tennis demands complete dedication from players. Players are like CEOs of companies bearing 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 Alcaraz’s level, reclaiming the number 1 spot. Those are his priorities.

Adriano Panatta

Paolo Bertolucci, who also played on the 1976 team and is now a 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 is secondary.

Paolo Bertolucci