The absences of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner certainly affect this edition of the Davis Cup Finals, taking place in Bologna this week. The world No.1 was supposed to drag his Spain side this year, but a hamstring injury sustained during the final of the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin forced him to change his plans and withdraw from this event to avoid compromising the situation.
The 24-year-old Italian on the other hand had already anticipated his intention not to play the Davis Cup this year, after having been absolutely decisive for his country's triumphs in the last two editions in Malaga. The star from Sesto Pusteria has had a very intense season despite having to miss three months due to the ban that was inflicted on him by WADA, as well as having made it to the bottom of all the tournaments he has participated in in the latter part of 2025.
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It should be remembered that the world number 2 won the Vienna ATP 500, the Paris Masters 1000 and the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin for the second year in a row, as well as prevailing in the second edition of the 'Six Kings Slam' in Saudi Arabia in October.
Cilic defends Sinner
Jannik's decision not to participate in the 'Final 8' of the Davis Cup in front of his home fans has generated a lot of discontent in his country and there has been no shortage of criticism against him. The four-time Grand Slam champion was also defended by many of his colleagues, including Croatian veteran Marin Cilic.
"Sinner had already communicated his decision at the end of last year and I consider his choice perfectly understandable" - said the winner of the 2014 US Open during an interview with 'Flashscore'. "The season of a top player is particularly tough and I think Jannik wants to recharge his batteries before the start of the new season, which is why I don't find anything strange in it" added Cilic.
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In addition to Sinner's absence, the Italian team also had to suffer the forfeit of Lorenzo Musetti.
