'It's a huge slap in the face for Italian sport,' - Nicolo Pietrangeli slams Jannik Sinner's decision of opting out of Davis Cup 2025

Overview

• In a surprising turn of events, Jannik Sinner opted himself out of the Davis Cup 2025 and was hence not included in the Italian Squad
• Nicolo Pietrangeli was unhappy with Sinner's decision and hence regarded it to be a huge slap in the face for Italian Sport
• Pietrangeli felt the current era of players are focused more on earning money than to follow their hearts

The Davis Cup 2025 squads for the Quarterfinals were announced. In a surprising turn of events, Jannik Sinner opted himself out of the Davis Cup 2025 and was hence not included in the Italian Squad. Nicolo Pietrangeli was unhappy with Sinner's decision and hence regarded it to be a huge slap in the face for Italian Sport.

Speaking to Punto de Break, Pietrangeli wondered why is it a different choice to make and claimed the players were only going to play Tennis, not going for a war. He felt the ultimate goal of an Italian athlete is to wear the national jersey.

Also Read: List of all squads announced for Davis Cup 2025 Quarterfinals

"It's a huge slap in the face for Italian sport. I don't understand when you say it was a difficult choice. We're talking about playing tennis, not going to war. When it comes to the Davis Cup, it's about the ultimate; the goal of any athlete is to wear the blue jersey," said Pietrangeli to Punto de Break.

"The world today is driven by money and people put their hearts aside," - Nicolo Pietrangeli

He later wondered if he is giving his perspective from a different era. Pietrangeli wished to see players choosing to play the Davis Cup over other tournaments. He felt that the current era of players are focused more on earning money than to follow their hearts. 

Also Check: 5 major Tennis players who shut it down early from 2025 season

"Unfortunately, I know I'm talking about another era. I hope that during the Davis Cup, people don't go somewhere else to play. I see that the world today is driven by money and people put their hearts aside," Pietrangeli added in his statement.