Lorenzo Musetti has stepped away from Italy’s 2025 Davis Cup title defense, becoming the second top Italian player to do so after Jannik Sinner. The 23-year-old announced his withdrawal shortly after bowing out of the ATP Finals in Turin, explaining that both physical fatigue and personal responsibilities made it impossible for him to join the squad in Bologna next week. His exit leaves Italy, the reigning two-time champions, suddenly facing major roster changes as they attempt to secure a rare Davis Cup three-peat.
Italy’s Davis Cup strategy shifts
Musetti’s decision comes at a crucial moment for Italian tennis. The Davis Cup finals, moved this year from Málaga to Bologna, represent the country’s chance to extend its recent dominance in the team competition. Italy had already suffered a significant setback with Jannik Sinner opting out to focus fully on preparations for his 2026 Australian Open title defense. Sinner’s withdrawal sparked heavy criticism, with fans, media, and even former players accusing him of abandoning the team ahead of a home-soil title defense. Some groups even called for his state honours to be revoked.
Musetti’s personal circumstances
After his defeat at the ATP Finals, Musetti told the media that he and captain Filippo Volandri had reached a mutual decision to step away from the Davis Cup. “Given my physical condition and my family situation, in agreement with captain Filippo Volandri, I have decided not to participate in the Davis Cup finals in Bologna,” he said, noting that his girlfriend, Veronica Confalonieri, is expecting their second child soon.
He admitted the choice was difficult but necessary. “Obviously, there is a lot of regret and disappointment for how I came into this competition. With a better approach, perhaps I would have tried to play it, despite the family commitment,”
Musetti explained.The impact of fatigue
Musetti concluded that the past months of wear and tear had caught up with him. He acknowledged that the physical fatigue from recent battles, especially in the last few weeks, was not something he could recover from quickly. His absence, combined with Sinner’s, leaves Italy’s Davis Cup squad in a precarious position as they prepare to defend their crown in Bologna.
Jannik Sinner in 2025
At the moment ranked no.2, Jannik played his last match on the 12th of November when he overcame world no.8 Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-5 6-1 in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
This year the Italian has achieved a 55-6 match record. The Italian conquered 5 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, Beijing, Vienna and Paris. Sinner was the runner-up in Rome, French Open, Cincinnati and U.S. Open.
Lorenzo Musetti in 2025
Now the world no.9, Musetti played his last match on the 13th of November when he was defeated by world no.6 Taylor Fritz 6-3 6-4 in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
During this season the Italian has managed to achieve an overall 45-22 win-loss record. Lorenzo Musetti’s most significant result of the current season was getting to the final in Monte Carlo, Chengdu and Athens.
Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti squared off 3 times. Their record is 3-0 for Sinner.