Jannik Sinner speaks out after 'slapping Italian sport in the face' with huge snub

Sinner's decision to skip the Davis Cup to extend his off-season and target peak form for the Australian Open could shorten his early-season odds, while Italy's chances in the team event may lengthen, boosting rivals' prices. Punters should expect bookmakers to trim Sinner's Australian Open market and see Italy's Davis Cup title price drift slightly without their top player.

Jannik Sinner skips Davis Cup to prioritise Australian Open

Jannik Sinner has confirmed he will not represent Italy at this year’s Davis Cup Finals, opting instead for an extended off-season to prepare for the 2026 season-opening major. The world No. 2, who helped Italy secure back-to-back Davis Cup titles, said he needs extra rest after a long campaign and wants to be in peak condition for the Australian Open.

Why Sinner made the decision

Sinner explained the end of the season can be draining and that taking an extra week off will allow him to restart training earlier and build higher-quality preparation for Australia. He framed the choice as a long-term performance decision rather than a snub to the team.

Reaction from Italian tennis figures

The decision provoked strong comments from some quarters of the Italian tennis community, with a prominent former national captain describing it as a serious disappointment for Italian sport and lamenting a perceived lack of commitment to the blue jersey. The remarks underline the emotional weight the Davis Cup still carries for many fans and former players.

Italy’s Davis Cup squad and schedule

The national lineup for the Finals will feature Lorenzo Musetti, Flavio Cobolli, Matteo Berrettini, Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori, with Filippo Volandri as captain. The Davis Cup Finals begin on November 18, two days after the ATP Finals conclude. Sinner will end his season at the ATP Finals, where he is the defending champion, and he is also competing in late-season events such as Vienna and the Paris Masters.

Betting and competitive implications

Sinner’s absence is likely to shift markets. Expect his Australian Open early-season odds to shorten if bookmakers view the extra rest as a form advantage. Conversely, Italy’s price to win the Davis Cup could drift slightly without its top-ranked player, making bets on rival nations more attractive. In-match and outright markets for the Davis Cup should be monitored closely in the days before the draw.

What fans and punters should watch

Watch for official confirmations on team selection, Sinner’s playing schedule around the ATP Finals, and bookmaker adjustments in the week leading up to the Davis Cup draw. Players stepping into Sinner’s role will draw attention; their form in the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals could influence Davis Cup matchups and betting lines.

Jannik Sinner sparked backlash when he snubbed the Italian team.

Express