Jannik Sinner, the US Open finalist, will not be playing in the Davis Cup Finals group stage next week in Bologna, Italy. The decision was made by Italian captain Filippo Volandri, who stated that Sinner needs time to rest after the demanding US Open tournament.
“As far as Jannik goes, who told us he was available for the latter stages of the competition in Bologna, in accordance with the federation leaders and his staff, we decided to relieve him of his call-up and allow him a full recovery,” Volandri announced in a team statement.
Sinner, who is currently Italy’s top-ranked player, was recently cleared of doping charges just before the US Open began. He had a strong performance in the tournament, reaching the semifinals where he defeated Jack Draper before ultimately losing to Taylor Fritz in the final.
Italy’s Davis Cup team will now rely on a different lineup for the group stage, featuring Matteo Berrettini, Matteo Arnaldi, Flavio Cobolli, Andrea Vavassori, and Simone Bolelli. Lorenzo Musetti, the Olympic bronze medalist, has also requested to be excluded due to needing rest.
Italy, the reigning champion, is in a tough group alongside Brazil, Belgium, and the Netherlands. They open their campaign against Brazil on Wednesday. The top two teams from each group will advance to the final eight in Malaga, Spain, from November 19-24.
Sinner’s absence from the group stage comes after he was criticized for opting out of the same phase last year. However, he silenced his critics by leading Italy to the title, defeating Novak Djokovic in both singles and doubles in the semifinals against Serbia, and ultimately clinching the final against Australia with a victory over Alex de Minaur. He then went on to win his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January.
Despite missing the group stage, Sinner has indicated his availability for the later stages of the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna, should Italy qualify.
