Volandri, on a hypothetical change of decision by Sinner: "The door is open, but I do not expect surprises"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 22 Oct 2025 | 16.57

Volandri, on a hypothetical change of decision by Sinner: "The door is open, but I do not expect surprises." Photo: Gettyimages

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No one imagined a week ago that Jannik Sinner would decide not to participate in the Copa Davis de Bolonia finals, where they are defending their two consecutive titles. However, few people expected the somewhat exaggerated reaction of the Italian public, which has strongly criticized their number one.

With part of Italian sports in a state of shock and anger in equal parts, Filippo Volandri, captain of the Italian team in the Davis Cup , spoke about Jannik Sinner's decision not to participate in the team tournament in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, where he tried to downplay the situation, despite trying to conceal his sorrow for not having the world number two in his team.

Filippo Volandri and Jannik Sinner's Decision that "Hurts", but Understands Equally

"The team remains very strong. Every captain would like to have a complete squad with their strongest player. But precisely because I experienced certain situations as a player, I try to normalize the situation."

"It is a decision that, as President Binaghi also said, hurts, but it is not the first or last time it happens. It happens to all champions. Alexander Zverev has not played the Davis Cup for years, just like Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal did in their day."

A Very Intense Season for Different Reasons

"There are seasons that lead you to the end with different energy levels. We are still at the end of the season, and this has been a very unusual year for Jannik. He has expended a lot, especially mentally. In last year's Davis Cup, he used up every last drop of energy. He always seems to be in control, but I assure you he reaches the end exhausted."

In Defense of Balance

"That extra week to disconnect and recharge energy is necessary to truly restart and prepare ourselves as best as possible for 2026 when we will play the finals at home again. Commitment to the team is important but must be managed with balance."

Possibility of a Change of Mind, but Seems Unlikely

"Technically, the possibility of calling him up remains until November 17, but when a team like yours makes a calendar decision, it is difficult to change their minds. We are here, the door is open, but I do not expect any surprises."

Advocating for a Davis Cup Every Two Years and at Another Time of the Year

"I believe it should not necessarily be played every year. And above all, it needs a better timing: it cannot be in the last week of the season when everyone is exhausted. If it is an important event, it must have the placement it deserves. The problem is that it is an ITF event, and the ATP calendar does not leave space for another event."

Lorenzo Musetti Will Be the Main Ace, Although He Awaits His Second Child around Those Dates

"Lorenzo has given us total availability. We will help him manage the situation in the best possible way. Substitutions can be made until the day before the start, so we will assess together. I am a father; I know how it feels."

Confidence in Berrettini's Good Performance on Indoor Courts

"Matteo has a very high performance on indoor courts. He has lacked a bit of consistency, but I hope he regains his rhythm in the coming weeks. He is a game changer, but above all, he is a team player, and that is just as important."

"Special Energy" Will Be Present in Bologna

"It will be a complete Italy. We will arrive with motivated, confident, and determined players. Jannik's absence is a burden, but there is no lack of positive energy. You will see it in Bologna: there will be a special energy," assures a Filippo Volandri who has no choice but to trust the rest of the Italian team to retain the Davis Cup, after Jannik Sinner's tough absence.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Volandri, sobre un hipotético cambio de decisión de Sinner: "La puerta está abierta, pero no espero sorpresas"