Filippo Volandri leaves the door open for Jannik Sinner

Filippo Volandri, interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport, does not hide that the absence of Jannik Sinner will be felt in the Davis Cup, but he reiterates his confidence in the team: “It is clear that every captain would like to have the strongest player available, but the group remains very competitive. As a former player I try to normalize the situation: these things happen, even to the greats. Federer, Nadal, Zverev — they all missed Davis at certain times in their careers”.

Sinner asked for an extra week off to mentally and physically disconnect: “Jannik gave everything, especially mentally. At last year’s Davis he had scraped the last drop of energy. It is only right that he take time to really recharge: 2026 will be another important season and we will still have the Finals at home”.

On a technical level, the rules would allow changes until Nov. 17, but the captain is under no illusions: “The door is open, but when a team decides on scheduling it is hard to go back”.

In Vienna, where he followed the Azzurri and the Austrian rivals, Volandri nonetheless met with Sinner in a serene atmosphere: “We greeted each other fondly, chatted with the team and family. No tension, just great serenity”.