The new format of the Davis Cup should have had as its main goal to convince the top players to participate in this event as much as possible. The 2025 edition which took place in Bologna last week was characterized by several electrifying matches and the crowd was massively present, but everyone highlighted the absences of champions such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner (German ace Alexander Zverev was the only Top 10 player present at the Finals).
The 22-year-old Spaniard was supposed to participate in this edition, but a leg injury suffered during the final of the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin forced him to take caution forcing him to return home without playing a single match.
The new Davis Cup has failed
The 24-year-old from Sesto Pusteria - who had led his Italy in the previous two editions - has decided to skip the Davis Cup this year, wanting to recharge his batteries and focus on other priorities ahead of the start of the 2026 season. Jannik's choice generated controversy in his country and the latter was attacked from many sides, but he reiterated the rationale of his decision and went on vacation to the Maldives. As if that were not enough, Italy who still lifted the trophy in Bologna also had to suffer the absence of Lorenzo Musetti (exhausted after a long and exhausting season from all points of view).
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On the latest edition of the 'Inside-In' podcast, former world number 21 John Loyd confessed that he was shocked by all these forfeits: "Italy won the Davis Cup for the third year in a row, but I can't hide that Sinner's absence made me quite sad. I have no hesitation in saying that this event has become ridiculous and it is time to admit it, since there was only one Top 10 in Bologna.
Sinner and Musetti did not miss the Davis for physical reasons, but only because they wanted to go on vacation and prepare for next year. This would never have happened in my time and requires reflection on everyone."
