Jannik Sinner says he ‘accepts the criticism’ from some over his decision not to play in this year’s Davis Cup Finals, which will be staged in his home country.
Earlier this week, the world No. 2 confirmed he will not be playing in the knockout team event, where Italy is seeking to win the title for a third consecutive year. Instead, Sinner explained that he wanted to use extra time to prepare for the new season and his title defence at the Australian Open in January.
The decision has divided Italy, with some heavily criticising the four-time Grand Slam champion, including tennis great Nicola Pietrangeli. Meanwhile, a non-government consumer rights organisation called Codacons has called for the tennis star to be stripped of his national-level honors for refusing to play in the Davis Cup. Even though Sinner played in the Davis Cup Finals in 2023 and 2024, winning a total of nine matches against zero losses.
“All I can say is that I accept all criticism. I have already spoken extensively on this matter and have nothing more to add,” the 24-year-old said after his opening win at the Vienna Open on Wednesday evening.
There has been so much debate surrounding Sinner’s scheduling decision that it has also triggered a reaction from some of his country’s politicians. The governor of South Tyrol (where Sinner was born), Arno Kompatscher, described the fallout as ‘pointless controversy’ in defence of the tennis player. Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister, Matteo Salvini, says he ‘shouldn’t be put on trial.’
This week, Sinner is bidding to become the third player this season to win three or more titles on the ATP Tour this year, after Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Bublik. He is currently on a 17-match winning streak on indoor courts and has an overall win-loss record of 44-6 so far in 2025.
“Indoor tournaments have always been special for me; I have very positive memories here. Five years ago, they (Vienna) gave me a wild card and two years ago I played really good tennis,” he said.
“For me, this tournament is very important, and at the end of the season, every tournament counts.
“After Vienna, there will be Paris and then the final part of the season. That’s why I’m happy to be here. There are still three tournaments before the end of the season; it’s time to make the final push.”
Sinner’s next match will be against Flavio Cobolli.
