Sinner sparks controversy in Italy for absence from Davis Cup

Jannik Sinner sparks controversy by withdrawing from the Davis Cup

Jannik Sinner’s decision not to participate with Italy in the Davis Cup Finals 8 has generated surprise and debate in his home country. The tennis player, currently number two in the world, prefers to focus on preparing for the next season, instead of defending the title with the Italian team 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. A week of preparation in that period can make the difference. We already won the Davis Cup in 2023 and 2024 and this time we decided this way with my team.

Jannik Sinner

Sinner, who led Italy to victory in this tournament in the last two years, argues that he needs time to prepare for the Australian Open, where he is a two-time defending champion. The news has generated mixed reactions. The headline on the front page of Gazzetta dello Sport read: “Sinner, think again.” An editorial in the same publication criticized the tennis player for mentioning his two Davis Cup titles, pointing out that he also participated 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 Roland Garros and the most successful Italian tennis player before Sinner’s arrival, commented: “It’s a big slap in the face for the Italian sports world.” It’s not the first time Sinner has faced criticism for not representing Italy. This happened previously in 2023 and at 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 compared to his time.

Today’s tennis requires players to have complete devotion. 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 Alcaraz’s level, regaining number 1. Those are his priorities.

Adriano Panatta

Paolo Bertolucci, also a member of the 1976 team and now a television commentator, agreed with Panatta, stating that Sinner’s decision is understandable given the current focus of tennis on the four Grand Slams and the ATP Finals.