'Big slap in the face': Jannik Sinner criticised for withdrawing from Davis Cup Finals

Jannik Sinner celebrates Italy's 2024 Davis Cup victory. (Clive Brunskill/Getty)

Italy's chances of achieving a Davis Cup three-peat have taken a massive hit following Jannik Sinner's decision to skip the event, as one former Italian player labelled the decision a "slap in the face".

Sinner, who guided Italy to back-to-back Davis Cup titles in 2023 and 2024, was not included in captain Filippo Volandri's squad list for November's tournament.

The 24-year-old's last event for the calendar year will be in Turin for the Nitto ATP Finals, where he will then prioritise his body for the new season.

Sinner told Sky Sports during media day at the Vienna Open: "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."

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However, the fact that Sinner opted to compete in Saudi Arabia's Six Kings Slam, an exhibition event in which the Italian pocketed A$9.2 million for winning three matches, has caused two-time Davis Cup finalist Nicola Pietrangeli to speak up.

"It's a huge slap in the face for Italian sport. I don't understand when you say it was a difficult choice. We're talking about playing tennis, not going to war. When it comes to the Davis Cup, it's about the ultimate; the goal of any athlete is to wear the blue jersey," Pietrangeli told Italian newswire service, ANSA.

"Unfortunately, I know I'm talking about another era. I hope that during the Davis Cup, people don't go somewhere else to play. I see that the world today is driven by money, and people put their hearts aside."

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Sinner has suffered multiple physical issues this year, including his latest scare at the Shanghai Masters when he retired mid-match due to severe cramp.

He is currently in Vienna to contest the ATP 500 event where he awaits Daniel Altmaier in the first round.

It means the possibility of a Sinner-Alcaraz final in the Davis Cup is in tatters. Meanwhile, world No.3 Alexander Zverev is set to feature in the Final 8 for the first time, representing Germany.

The Davis Cup Finals takes place from November 17-23 in Bologna.

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