SINNER REFLECTS ON BACKLASH AFTER DAVIS CUP ANNOUNCEMENT

Jannik Sinner has spoken out about his decision to skip this year’s Davis Cup Finals, and he’s pretty certain it was the right call.

The Italian world No. 1 won the competition with his country in both 2023 and 2024, but he won’t be on the team when Italy hosts the Final 8 in Bologna from 18 to 23 November.

Sinner made it clear that he isn’t shirking national duty. He made it clear that he’s “proud to be Italian” and happy to be born in the country.

Yet he explained the decision comes down to timing, fatigue and getting ready for the next chapter: “At the end of the season you need a little time to recover from all the accumulated pressure … the physical and mental exhaustion … and this requires time to recover and get back in shape.”

He added that playing nearly every day isn’t sustainable forever: “I play tennis almost every day of my life and there are times when I don’t feel like it. If I can bring forward my holidays and start the pre-season earlier, I can gradually manage the training load, which is essential to avoid injuries. I have no doubt that this year, I made the right decision.”

Of course, the move hasn’t landed well with everyone in Italy. Some figure it’s a blow to his nation’s chances and a lack of commitment to the team event. But Sinner and his camp are standing firm: This is about long-term thinking, not turning his back on his country.

Image credit: ATP Tour