Sinner Skips Davis Cup to Prepare for Australian Open Title Defense

In a surprising move, Jannik Sinner, the reigning Australian Open champion, has withdrawn from Italy's Davis Cup defense next month to focus on his preparations for the 2026 Australian Open. Sinner, a four-time major winner, has decided to skip the team competition, stating that the end of the season is very long, and he needs an extra week off to start training earlier for the first Grand Slam of the year.

Sinner's decision has drawn mixed reactions, with some questioning the move, given his impressive record in the Davis Cup, where he has won the title twice. However, the 24-year-old Italian believes that prioritizing his individual success is the right decision at this stage of his career. Sinner has struggled against his rival, world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, losing 7 of their last 8 professional matches. The Australian Open title defense is now his primary focus as he looks to regain his dominance on the major circuit.

Despite the criticism, Sinner's team has backed his decision, and the player himself remains confident in his ability to perform at the highest level. With the 2026 Australian Open just a few months away, Sinner is determined to be in peak physical and mental condition to defend his title and potentially add another Grand Slam trophy to his growing collection.