Why Jannik Sinner Will Miss Davis Cup
Four-time Grand Slam winner Jannik Sinner will not play for Italy in the Davis Cup next month, as he wants to rest and prepare for the new season.
The 24-year-old Italian star had a brilliant 2025, reaching all four Grand Slam finals and winning both the Australian Open and Wimbledon. He also won the Six Kings Slam, a special exhibition event in Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.
Sinner is due to play in the ATP Tour Finals in Turin from 9–16 November. However, Italy’s Davis Cup captain Filippo Volandri said Sinner has chosen not to make himself available for the Davis Cup matches, which take place in Bologna from 18–23 November.
Meanwhile, world number one Carlos Alcaraz has been selected for Spain’s Davis Cup team.
Sinner explained that he needs extra time to rest and train before the new season starts in January, with the 2026 Australian Open as the first major tournament.
“It wasn’t an easy decision,” Sinner told Sky Sport Italy. “But after the Tour Finals in Turin, my goal is to start strong in Australia. A week of good training can really make a difference.”
He added, “We won the Davis Cup in 2023 and 2024. This year, my team and I made the choice to focus on the season ahead.”
With Sinner not playing, Lorenzo Musetti (world number 8) and Flavio Cobolli (world number 22) will be the top-ranked singles players for Italy. They will face Austria in the quarter-finals.
Italy’s captain Volandri said, “The Davis Cup will always be his home, and I’m sure Jannik will be back with the team soon. For now, I trust the group I have — they’re ready to fight for the blue shirt.”
Players Worry About Tough Tennis Schedule
Sinner’s decision comes as more players speak out about how busy and tiring the tennis calendar has become.
Just days ago, Holger Rune suffered a season-ending injury at the Nordic Open, and British number one Jack Draper posted on social media that the tennis tour needs to change if players want to have long careers.
Alcaraz also spoke about the issue before the Six Kings Slam. He said players often get criticised for playing in exhibition events while complaining about the schedule, but explained that exhibitions are less stressful both physically and mentally than official tournaments.
