Jannik Sinner's surprising five-word response as he's accused of turning back on Italy

Jannik Sinner has responded after he was accused of "slapping Italian sport in the face" when he decided not to represent his country at the upcoming Davis Cup Finals. The world No. 2 led Italy to win two successive trophies at the World Cup of men's tennis in 2023 and 2024, but he will not return to help the team defend their title next month.

Sinner's decision sparked backlash, with Italian tennis legend Nicola Pietrangeli among those criticising the four-time Major winner for snubbing the Davis Cup, while local media haven't taken kindly to his choice. But Sinner has now said: "I accept all the criticism."

The 24-year-old previously explained that he chose not to compete in the Davis Cup so he could start his off-season a week earlier this year, and have more time to rest before the 2026 season. While he has nothing else to say, he understands the response he's received.

"The only thing I can say is that I accept all the criticism. I've already spoken at length on this subject and I have nothing more to add," the world No. 2 told Sky Sports Italy.

It comes after Pietrangeli, who captained Italy to Davis Cup glory back in 1976, told ANSA: "It's a huge slap in the face for Italian sport. I don't understand when he talks about difficult choices. He has to play tennis, not wage war."

Meanwhile, Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport published a front page saying: "Sinner, think it over again."

An editorial in the newspaper also called out his sponsorship deals. "Pasta, coffee ... Every five minutes you promote an Italian product. Do it with tennis, too," it read.

While Sinner has accepted the criticism, Italian Davis Cup captain Filippo Volandri has been more forgiving.

"It's a decision that, as [Italian tennis] President Binaghi also said, hurts, but it's neither the first nor the last time it's happened. It happens to all players, even the very best," Volandri told Gazetta.

"[Alexander] Zverev hasn't played it for years, nor [Roger] Federer or [Rafael] Nadal. There are seasons that lead you to arrive at certain moments in different physical and mental conditions. We're still at the end of the season, and every year is different. This has been a special season for Jannik, and we all know it.

"These have been two very tough years for him for the reasons we know, and Jannik has also put in a lot of effort mentally, even more than on the court Both last year and this year, he finished the season squeezing everything he had.

"At Davis Cup, he literally scraped every last drop of energy from the barrel. And his greatness is that he never lets it look like it: he always appears in control, but I assure you, he arrives at the end of the competition feeling drained."

In Sinner's absence, Lorenzo Musetti, Flavio Cobolli, Matteo Berrettini, Simone Bolelli, and Andrea Vavassori will represent Italy. The world No. 2 is currently competing at the ATP 500 event in Vienna and is expected to play the Paris Masters and ATP Finals before heading into the off-season.