An insult to the flag of Italy

Jose Morón | 22 Oct 2025 | 13.59

Sinner's actions are felt by Italians as an insult to the flag. Photo: Getty

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Browsing through Italy's main news outlets in recent days involves reading sticks and criticism towards Jannik Sinner. The Italian's decision to skip this year's Davis Cup Final 2025 has caused a considerable media frenzy. Not a single outlet has taken this absence lightly, receiving it with both pain and controversy.

Sinner's situation in Italy contrasts greatly with the experience of Carlos Alcaraz in Spain, or that of Rafa Nadal in his time. While Spaniards rarely face such ruthless criticism in the press, any slight from Jannik becomes a target for critiques that sometimes cross certain boundaries.

What's the reason behind this? One needs to go back before 2023. Sinner has always been haunted by his "lack of Italian spirit." Born near the Dolomites, in San Candido, known for its rich mix of Italian and Austrian culture. This area carries a strong German influence, having been part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire before joining Italy in 1919. Furthermore, Jannik's parents are of German origin. His name and surname don't immediately evoke Italy, a fact that many Italians have always been acutely aware of.

For those unfamiliar with Italy, its people have a strong sense of nationalism. Some prioritize their country and flag above themselves. To dishonor Italy's name is considered heretical, and they proudly display the Italian colors and flag wherever they go. In a country that has not had a prominent global tennis figure, seeing the greatest Italian tennis player in history lacking deep Italian roots has been a burden Sinner has carried since the beginning. Jannik has to prove himself twice as much as others to earn the love of Italians.

And precisely, he hasn't shown a special interest in doing so.

In his early years, skipping a Davis Cup call-up was used against Sinner by the Italian media and fans. Not participating in the Paris 2024 Olympics remains a sore point for many. In an individual sport like tennis, refusing (or unable) to join a team competition and wear the Azzurra jersey is seen as a gesture of disrespect, incomprehensible to Italians who can't fathom lacking the desire to don the blue jersey and listen to the Fratelli d’Italia anthem with hand over heart.

It counted for little or nothing that Jannik brought the Davis Cup back to Italy almost 50 years later in 2023 or defended it again in 2024, consecutively. After feeling he had fulfilled his commitment to Italy and the Davis Cup, at least for now, the Italian felt compelled to cut his 2025 season short and skip the final week of the Davis Cup.

His reasons cited were wanting more rest and an extra training week in the preseason to arrive better prepared for the Australian Open, where he admitted to struggling in the last two editions. This decision was received as "a slap in the face," as described by the legendary Nicola Pietrangeli, an old-school figure who held the Davis Cup in highest esteem, even above the Grand Slams.

But times change. The Davis Cup has lost relevance in today's circuit where rankings and individual titles hold utmost importance. Glory is associated with Slams, Masters 1000, and time spent at world number 1. Few recall Davis Cup victories. Nevertheless, some view renouncing this competition as an insult or neglecting one's duty to national tennis.

Considering the Davis Cup as one of the most significant events for Federations to earn and support other national federations, aiding tennis growth in the country, it's also true that players' successes directly impact the sport's visibility. Whether Alcaraz or Sinner triumph at Roland Garros or Wimbledon, it fosters tennis in their respective countries, even though it doesn't equate to direct financial gains for their Federations.

According to official FITP data, Italy increased its registered tennis players from 404,000 in 2019 to 1,150,000 by late 2024, a 136% rise attributed to the 'Sinner effect.' In just five years, Jannik has significantly influenced Italian society. Without needing to attend more or fewer Davis Cup calls, when Sinner wins, Italian tennis wins alongside him.

Preferring to take his vacation a week earlier is Sinner's prerogative. In 2025, a tennis player must be selfish because stepping onto the court for a Grand Slam, the sport's top priority nowadays, is an individual endeavor. If opting for more rest, it's entirely his decision. Jannik likely feels that after two years securing the Davis Cup, it's time for others to lead the team.

Sinner doesn't want to make the effort of playing the Davis Cup this year

Some may reproach him for not making that extra effort post-Turin, as it would entail an additional strain for Sinner following a demanding season both physically and mentally. They are entitled to feel this way, but one must try to understand each individual's perspective before passing such severe judgment, rampant in the Italian press these last two days.

This sets the stage for the upcoming 15 years, critical voices towards Alcaraz and Sinner when they choose to skip a Davis Cup. Carlos faced criticism when he opted not to attend Marbella in September to rest after a grueling US Open, although he did show up at the Laver Cup the following week, where there were financial incentives. Similarly, Sinner's Davis Cup decision comes shortly after pocketing six million dollars in an exhibition in Arabia.

"They're not tired for exhibitions," is a common sentiment shared when such occurrences arise, failing to empathize with the potential loss of over one million by turning down these events, often used as preparation for other tournaments or to clear one's mind. While there's a physical aspect, it pales in comparison to official competitions.

Imagine if Jannik decided to play the Davis Cup this year and suffered a fate like Rune, snapping his Achilles tendon due to overexertion, facing a potential year on the sidelines. Perhaps then, instead of praising his Italian pride, there would be talk of poor planning or failure to rest appropriately.

Regardless, a tennis player is always under immense pressure since their decisions inevitably offend someone. While Sinner may incur the wrath of many Italians with such choices, he knows that his place in the sport's history will be determined by Grand Slam titles, not by how often he represented his country in the Davis Cup.

It's best that all support comes voluntarily when Sinner chooses to offer it. Everyone must understand that there will be years when Alcaraz and Sinner can't or won't aid their national teams, but they will continue to elevate their countries' tennis through their triumphs.

Perhaps Sinner would have faced less criticism in Italy if he had decided to topple the Leaning Tower of Pisa with his racket. With this decision, he might find it harder to win over Italian hearts in the future. Sports-related affection can swiftly shift from love to hate in the blink of an eye. Today's animosity may become admiration tomorrow.

Sinner will pray that in Bologna, the title doesn't fall to the Spanish. The last thing Jannik desires is for his archrival to win in the first year the Finals are held in his country without Sinner on the court to prevent it.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Un insulto a la bandera de Italia