ITALY WITHOUT SINNER FOR DAVIS CUP

Italy will be without their biggest star at the Davis Cup Finals this year.

Jannik Sinner has confirmed he won’t compete on home soil in Bologna. The 24-year-old said the choice was “very difficult,” but he needs to focus on preparing for his Australian Open title defence in January.

Sinner’s withdrawal is a major blow for Italy, who were counting on their top player to lead them in pursuit of a third straight Davis Cup crown.

The world number two was crucial in last year’s triumph in Spain, winning key matches that carried his country to victory. His absence leaves a big gap in both leadership and performance for the Italian team.

The decision comes after a long season in which Sinner captured the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles and is set to defend his ATP Finals crown in Turin just a week before the Davis Cup begins.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, but the goal after Turin is to start well in Australia,” Sinner told Sky Sport Italy.

Sinner will continue his busy schedule at the Vienna and Paris tournaments before the ATP Finals, but Italy’s Davis Cup hopes will now rest on the shoulders of his teammates without their national hero.

Image credit: CNN