Jannik Sinner could face the wrath of Italian tennis fans should he opt out of this year’s Davis Cup. It’s reported that the world No.2 won’t represent Italy at the finals of the event, which is set to be played on home soil in Italy later this year.
Italy are the back-to-back defending champions, with Sinner and co. having waltzed to victory in each of the previous two years. His Davis Cup record is somewhat imperious, with the tennis ace having won all but three of his total 18 matches for the Italians.
But, if they’re to become the first nation since the United States in the 1970s to win three titles in a row, they’ll likely have to do it without the brilliance of Sinner. That’s because Eurosport Italy reporter Simone Eterno is claiming there’s been an indication from Sinner’s camp that he won’t be involved at the showpiece event in Bologna.
It follows a similar path to that of Emma Raducanu, who opted against joining up with the British team for the recent Billie Jean King Cup. Raducanu decided to focus on securing ranking points instead and was criticised for the decision.
Tennis pundit Catherine Whitaker said: “It’s a tough scene isn’t it? Because all of those motivations are valid, but ultimately they only outweigh representing Great Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals if that only has limited value to you. And this decision clearly shows the limited value that Emma Raducanu perceives in playing this competition, which really disappoints me, it really disappoints me.”
But the Davis Cup isn’t the only event Sinner allegedly plans to skip between now and the end of the season. It’s also claimed by the same outlet that the 24-year-old will miss the Paris Masters, which is set to be held in early November.
Sinner is believed to be planning to compete at the Vienna Open later this month, as well as the season-ending ATP Finals, which are pencilled in for November. What’s more, Sinner’s participation is expected at the 6 Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia – an exhibition event that could earn him up to £6million.
Plans to reduce his schedule come after he lost the world No.1 spot to Carlos Alcaraz, with Sinner’s subsequent withdrawal from the Shanghai Masters meaning his Spanish rival will keep top spot for the remainder of the year. Sinner confirmed to the travelling press pack after his retirement that he was fine and the abandonment of his match was simply precautionary.
