What has been in the air for some time is now official: Jannik Sinner will not be in Bologna for the Davis Cup finals next November in Bologna. «Jannik Sinner has not given his availability for 2025», explains the Italian captain Filippo Volandri. «The Davis Cup is, and will always remain, his home and I am sure that Jannik will soon be part of the team again. In the meantime, I can count on a group ready to fight and give everything for the blue jersey.”
TENNIS
Sinner King of Riad: Alcaraz dominates in two sets and wins the Six Kings Slam
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Stefano Semeraro
Cobolli instead of Sinner
In his place Volandri has summoned Flavio Cobolliwho joins Lorenzo Musetti, Matteo Berrettini and the doubles players Vavassori and Bolelli. For now Lorenzo Sonego, Matteo Arnaldi and above all Luciano Darderi, currently number 26, are also out – all three ahead in the rankings compared to Berrettini. It should be noted that the ITF regulations allow the captain to change a maximum of three players until 11:00 am Italian time the day before the start of the Final 8 matches, i.e. Monday 17 November.
Bad tile for Italy
Sinner’s absence is a bad blow for Italywho has held the title for two years. Jannik had been decisive both times in Malaga, this time he had the opportunity to complete a historic trio at home, but evidently he decided that after the ATP Finals it was better for him to think about holidays or preparation for 2025.
The controversies
The controversies that had surrounded his decision to skip other matches with the national team in the past will inevitably start again, also because all the other big names are expected in Bologna, from Alcaraz to Zverev who, after having declared for years that he would no longer participate until the old format was returnedhe went back on his decisions (perhaps driven by the suggestion of finding the satisfaction in the Cup that he is missing on the circuit).
The reason for the choice
The choice of Sinner, who is on the pitch in Vienna this week, certainly displeases many, but it should be remembered that in the past Nadal, Federer and Djokovic have also ‘marked a visit’ more than once in the Cup, especially after winning it. It’s not beautiful, but it’s the reality of the circuit, beauties, you could paraphrase. A long, tiring circuit, which, as demonstrated by Rune’s serious injury and the mass illnesses in Shanghai, often puts the tennis players’ bodies to the test. After the choice to refuse President Mattarella’s invitation last year, however, another controversial decision by the world number 2, already in the sights of those who criticize his residence in Monte-Carlo. «It was not an easy decision, but after Turin the goal is to start off on the right foot in Australia. It doesn’t seem like it, but a week of preparation in that period can make the difference. We won the Davis Cup in 2023 and 2024 and this time we decided like this with my team”, explains Jannik.
Who will defend the salad bowl
It will then be up to Musetti and Cobolli defend the Salad bowl at homein the quarterfinals against a more than manageable Austria, but possibly in the semifinals against a very fearsome France, especially indoors, as demonstrated by Mpetshi-Perricard’s success last week against Musetti in Brussels.
Regret
The President of Fitp also regrets Sinner’s decision Binaghi: «We understand and respect Jannik’s decision, which is still very painful for uswhich comes at the end of a long and intense season, in which he has once again proven to be an extraordinary point of reference for the entire Italian tennis movement. The Davis Cup represents for him – and for all of us – a symbol of pride and belongingand we are certain that he will soon return to wear the blue shirt with the same passion and determination as always. At the same time, I want to underline the great trust we place in the group led by Filippo Volandri: a solid, united team, capable of transforming every difficulty into a further push. Our boys have already demonstrated that they can achieve extraordinary goals together, and I am convinced that this time too they will be able to best honor the colors of Italy.”
