Jannik Sinner Accepts Backlash Over Davis Cup Withdrawal

Two-time Roland Garros champion and arguably the greatest Italian men’s tennis player before Sinner himself, Nicola Pietrangeli, went even further when speaking to local reporters.

“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.”

Voices of Support

Not everyone in Italy has shared the criticism. Filippo Volandri, captain of the Italian Davis Cup team, said that while the decision hurts, it’s part of the modern game’s realities: “It happens to all players, even the very best. [Alexander] Zverev hasn’t played it for years, nor [Roger] Federer or [Rafael] Nadal. There are seasons that lead you to arrive at certain moments in different physical and mental conditions.”

Adriano Panatta has also defended Sinner. In a column for Corriere, he explained that today’s players must show complete commitment, almost a sense of devotion, as they manage their careers like CEOs of companies that bear their names. According to Panatta, Sinner has already delivered for Italy by winning two Davis Cups and now deserves a break to relaunch his ambitions, winning more Slams, matching Alcaraz, and reclaiming the #1 spot.

Sinner has remained composed in the face of the  criticism. Speaking in Vienna this week, he declined to engage with the growing controversy and accepted all the criticism: “All I can say is that I accept all criticism. I have already spoken extensively on this matter and have nothing more to add.”

As Italy prepares to defend its Davis Cup title without its best player, opinions remain divided. What is certain is that Sinner is standing by his decision, as both he and Team Italy look to finish their 2025 seasons strongly in their own ways.