Jannik Sinner has faced intense criticism in Italy after announcing he will not participate in the 2025 Davis Cup Finals. Speaking to Sky Sports Italy, the Wimbledon champion stated that he and his team made the decision to prioritize early preparations for the 2026 season.
“We won the Davis Cup in 2023 and 2024, and this time we decided this with my team,” Sinner said. “It may not seem like it, but a week of preparation during that period can make all the difference.”
The Finals are set to take place in Bologna, making Sinner’s absence even more controversial given the home advantage and national expectations.
Fierce backlash from Italian icons and institutions
The reaction in Italy has been swift and severe. Tennis legend Nicola Pietrangeli called Sinner’s withdrawal “a huge slap in the face for Italian sport.” Consumer-rights group CODACONS went further, demanding that all official honors awarded to Sinner be revoked, accusing him of neglecting his national duties.
A journalist also questioned Sinner’s loyalty, suggesting that his priorities now lie more with personal goals than national representation.
Sinner responds after Vienna victory
Despite the criticism, Sinner remains resolute. After a dominant 6–0, 6–2 win in his opening match at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna, the World No. 2 addressed the controversy in a brief statement.
“I accept all the criticism [about the Davis Cup], but I’ve already said everything on this topic and have nothing to add,” Sinner said during the post-match press conference.
Eyes on 2026 and reclaiming the top spot
Sinner’s decision comes after losing his World No. 1 ranking to Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated him in the final of the 2025 US Open. With his team now focused on a strategic plan to return to the top, Sinner is prioritizing rest and preparation over national competition.
Italy will defend its Davis Cup title without its star player, but team captain Filippo Volandri remains optimistic. “The Davis Cup is and will always be his home and I’m sure that Jannik will come back to the team soon,” Volandri said.
As the debate continues, Sinner’s choice highlights the tension between personal career management and national expectations in elite sport.
ATP Vienna - Jannik Sinner's projected path
Sinner in Vienna, ranking, and results in 2025
WWWWWWWWWW Currently ranked no.2, Sinner has a 44-6 match record in 2025. Sinner is now competing in Vienna where he managed to beat the world no.51 Daniel Altmaier 6-0 6-2.
Jannik Sinner will take on the world no.22 Flavio Cobolli in the 2nd round on Thursday at 5:30 pm on CENTER COURT. In the past, they have never competed against each other till now in top competitions.
The Italian conquered 3 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. The Italian was the finalist in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia), at the French Open, in Cincinnati (Cincinnati Open) and at the U.S. Open.
Jannik won 22 titles in his career: 11 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts, 8 on indoor courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Sinner has scheduled to compete next in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 27th of October.
