In a year where Jannik Sinner has carried the weight of expectations from Italy and the tennis world alike, the 24-year-old has now made a decision that stunned his fans back home. The world number two, who has been Italy’s cornerstone in Davis Cup campaigns over the past few seasons, announced his withdrawal from this year’s edition—a move that speaks volumes about the emotional and physical toll of a relentless tennis calendar.

Sinner has played around 50 matches this season, winning 43 out of them. His three title triumphs in 2025 came at the AO, Wimbledon, and the China Open, respectively. But during the China Open, the four-time Grand Slam champion had already cast doubt over his participation at the 2025 Davis Cup by saying, “The truth is that I haven’t decided whether or not to play the Davis Cup; I’ll make a choice later. I can’t give an answer right now. I’m only focused on the next tournaments I’ll be taking part in.” Following that, we saw him giving a mid-match walkover to Tallon Griekspoor during the R32 match due to an injury on his right thigh.

Now, shortly before starting his campaign at the 2025 Vienna Open, Jannik Sinner takes yet another shocking decision. This year’s Davis Cup Final 8 stage will run from November 18-23, will be the first edition of the competition held in Bologna, Italy. And as per Italy’s Davis Cup captain, Filippo Volandri’s statements, “Jannik Sinner has not given his availability for 2025.” Having said that, he also mentioned that the Davis Cup is, and will remain, always his home, and he’s sure that Sinner will soon be part of the team again. In the meantime, all he wants is to count on a group that is ready to fight and give everything for the blue jersey.

Speaking about this decision during a press conference at the 2025 Vienna Open, Jannik Sinner said, “I’ve won the Davis Cup twice. My team and I made this decision because the end of the season is very long, and I need an extra week off to start training earlier. The goal is to be in top shape for Australia. Over the last two years, I haven’t been at my best due to a lack of time, so we decided this was the right move.”

In Jannik Sinner’s absence, Lorenzo Musetti (ranked 8th), Matteo Berrettini (2021 Wimbledon finalist), Flavio Cobolli (2025 Wimbledon quarterfinalist), Andrea Vavassori (three-time Grand Slam doubles finalist), and Simone Bolelli (40-year-old veteran) will be given charge at the Davis Cup. 

The Italian ace (Sinner) had been Italy’s hero just a year ago, leading the nation to a historic Davis Cup triumph. That victory had cemented his status as one of the sport’s most dependable team players—someone who could balance national pride with individual ambition. Yet, as the 2025 season neared its climax, fatigue and minor injuries began creeping in, forcing Sinner to choose longevity over short-term glory.

As things stand, Jannik Sinner has been handed a tricky draw at the 2025 Vienna Open, and he will start his campaign against Germany’s Daniel Altmaier. Following this tournament, he could well be seen in action at the Paris Masters before setting things up for the ultimate battle at the ATP Finals in Turin, which will be held from November 9 to 16. So, despite the withdrawal from the Davis Cup, there is still a lot of action left for the Italian star. But how did the tennis world react to his withdrawal, though?

Jannik Sinner faces backlash over Davis Cup withdrawal

The 2025 season has been nothing short of extraordinary for Jannik Sinner. The Italian tennis sensation, who has risen to the top echelons of men’s tennis with his calm composure and laser-sharp consistency, has often been hailed as a symbol of discipline and professionalism. Yet, his recent decision to withdraw from Italy’s Davis Cup campaign has stirred a storm back home—reminding fans that even the most beloved heroes can face criticism.

For example, in an interview with ANSA, the 92-year-old Italian tennis legend, Nicola Pietrangeli, said, “It's an affront to Italian sports. I don't understand when he mentions a difficult choice. He has to play tennis, not go to war. When it comes to the Davis Cup, I get annoyed because a player's objective should be to wear the Italian jersey. But unfortunately, I'm speaking from another era. I hope he won't go play elsewhere during the Davis Cup. Today, the world is filled with money, and we're leaving heart aside.”

However, not everyone joined the outrage chorus. The president of the Italian Tennis Federation, Angelo Binaghi, said, “We understand and respect Jannik’s decision, which is very painful for us. [It] comes at the end of a long and intense season, in which he once again demonstrated that he is an extraordinary point of reference for the entire Italian tennis movement.”

Now, if we take a look at the ATP Live Rankings, Jannik Sinner currently trails Carlos Alcaraz by 1,340 points. Do you think the Italian star can bring out his best in these tournaments and finish the year on a positive note? Share your thoughts in the comment box.

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallySports. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

Know more

Edited by

Shrabana Sengupta