Sinner sparks controversy in Italy for absence from Davis Cup

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 prepare for the next season instead of defending the 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,” stated Sinner, referring to the Australian Open, where he is the defending champion for two years.

Jannik Sinner

Sinner, currently number two in the world, argued that a week of preparation in that period can make a difference. The tennis player made these statements from Vienna, where he is competing this week. The reaction in Italy was immediate. The newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport headlined on its front page: “Sinner, think again.” An editorial in the same publication criticized Sinner’s decision, pointing out his recent 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,” it was published in the editorial of the Gazzetta.

Gazzetta dello Sport

Nicola Pietrangeli, winner of two Roland Garros and the most successful Italian tennis player before Sinner, called the decision “a great slap in the face to the Italian sports world”. This is not the first time Sinner has faced criticism for not representing Italy. It already happened in 2023 and at the Paris Olympics. Adriano Panatta, who led Italy to their only other Davis Cup triumph in 1976, defended the choice of Sinner, arguing that the team competition is no longer as important as in his time. Paolo Bertolucci, also a member of the 1976 team and now a television commentator, agreed with Panatta. “Tennis has changed. Today what counts are the four Grand Slams and then the ATP Finals. The rest is secondary,” Bertolucci declared.