Jannik Sinner furiously criticized by Italian legend for skipping Davis Cup Finals
NewsWednesday, 22 October 2025 at 18:55
Jannik Sinner's decision not to play in next month's 2025 Davis Cup finals was poorly received by his compatriot and fellow Italian tennis legend, Nicola Pietrangeli.
The 92-year-old became the first Italian to win Grand Slam titles with his runs at the 1959 and 1960 French Open. Until Sinner, Adriano Panatta was the only subsequent male champion at one of the four major tournaments.
Sinner's four Grand Slam titles, most recently at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, make him the most decorated tennis player ever despite his age of just 24. He will undoubtedly add many more significant titles in the coming years.
Pietrangeli has praised Sinner in the past. Last year, he called him the strongest player worldwide and compared his dominance in 2024 to that of seven-time Wimbledon winner Pete Samparas.
However, the former French Open champion's view of Sinner's decision to skip the Davis Cup finals, scheduled from November 18th to 23rd, because he wants an extra week to prepare for the 2026 Australian Open was dim.
Pietrangeli did not mince his words when speaking to Punto de Break. He thinks the ultimate honor of any athlete should be to play for their country and said that today's players are more motivated by money than patriotism.
"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."
"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."
Those who agree with Pietrangeli's view about athletes caring most about money might point to Sinner's participation at last week's 2025 Six Kings Slam, where he won $6,000,000 for defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
Sinner and Alcaraz also announced they will play an exhibition in January before the 2026 Australian Open. Although tournament fees for exhibitions are usually unannounced, they will undoubtedly be given huge sums.
Defenders of Sinner might say that playing in the Davis Cup finals would cut into the off-season because of its scheduling, and next year's exhibition can be used as preparation for the Australian Open.
Criticisms of the tennis calendar have grown more intense
Unless changes are made to the schedule, players skipping the Davis Cup and other tournaments could become more common. Holger Rune's horrific Achilles injury at the 2025 Stockholm Open drew a strong reaction from players.
Taylor Fritz said that alterations must be made because of how many players are suffering from injuries and burnout. He also mentioned the impact of balls and courts getting slower. Jack Draper, who ended his season early with an arm injury, made similar comments.
Several players, including Elina Svitolina, Daria Kasatkina, and Beatriz Haddad Maia, did not play in the final weeks of 2025 because they felt burnt.
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