Sinner said he will skip the finals on November 18-23 to focus on the ATP Finals in Turin on November 9-16 before preparing to defend his Australian Open title on January 12-February 1, 2026.
Non-playing Davis Cup captain Filippo Volandri said the world number two, who beat world number one and great rival Carlos Alcaraz to retain his Six Kings Slam title in Riyadh over the weekend, had told him he is not available for the tournament, where Italy is looking to three-peat its triumphs of 2023 and 2024.
Volandri said he had therefore selected Matteo Berrettini, Simone Bolelli, Flavio Cobolli, Lorenzo Musetti and Andrea Vavassori.
Italian Tennis Federation (FITP) President Angelo Binaghi said they understood the “painful” decision and were sure Sinner would be back representing Italy soon.
“We understand and respect Jannik’s decision, which is very painful for us, and which comes at the end of a long and intense season, in which he once again demonstrated his extraordinary role model [status] for the entire Italian tennis movement.
“For him, and for all of us, the Davis Cup represents a symbol of pride and belonging, and we are certain that he will soon return to wear the blue jersey with the same passion and determination as always,” Binaghi added.
Sinner said it had been a tough decision, but he wanted to focus on the ATP Finals and getting ready for the Australian Open.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, but after Turin, the goal is to get off to a good start in Australia,” said Sinner.
“It may not seem like it, but a week of preparation during that period can make all the difference.
“We won the Davis Cup in 2023 and 2024, and this time, my team and I decided to do this instead.”
Four-time slam winner Sinner, 24, has split all the recent slams with Alcaraz, a six-time slam winner at the age of 22.
ANSA
