BREAKING Jannik Sinner snubs representing Italy as Carlos Alcaraz denied rematch

Jannik Sinner will not play for Italy at the Davis Cup Final 8 after not making himself available for the knock-out stage that begins in Bologna next month. Italy captain Filippo Volandri has instead called up, Lorenzo Musetti, Flavio Cobolli, Matteo Berrettini, Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassor.

The host country enter as two-time defending champions, but Sinner was part of both those teams. He has been ever-present at the tournament since 2021 as Italy have gradually improved from exiting in the quarter-finals, to making the semi-finals and then winning their first titles since 1976, back when that year's French Open champion Adriano Panatta led them to a maiden title.

Sinner is the only one of the world's top three players not partaking in the tournament. Carlos Alcaraz will represent Spain for the second straight year and Alexander Zverev is back in the Germany team after being absent last year.

Italy and Spain are on opposite sides of the draw, so an Alcaraz vs Sinner rematch could only have taken place in the final. Alcaraz has never previously progressed past the quarter-finals when representing his country, despite both of his two appearances being when the tournament was held in Malaga.

Italy captain Volandri has said: "With our Italian players, we have built our recent successes on team spirit and mutual trust. This trust is based on hard work and the constant dedication of each member to the others.

"This is why we are confident that the group will meet in Bologna with even greater motivation to achieve a historic goal, a gift to the team and our fans. We will have to overcome tough opponents, starting with Austria, but I am fortunate to be able to count on a broad roster of players that will allow us to face this challenge with full conviction.

"Jannik Sinner has not confirmed his availability for 2025. The Davis Cup is, and will always be, his home, and I am certain that Jannik will soon return to the team.

"In the meantime, I can count on a group ready to fight and give everything for the Italian national team. In Bologna, it will once again be an exciting adventure. I know the value of these players, and I am confident that the future will bring us even greater satisfaction."

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President of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation Angelo Binaghi added: "We understand and respect Jannik's decision, which is deeply painful for us, and which comes at the end of a long and intense season, during which he once again demonstrated his extraordinary role model for the entire Italian tennis movement. For him-and for all of us-the Davis Cup represents a symbol of pride and belonging, and we are certain he will soon return to wear the blue jersey with the same passion and determination as always.

"At the same time, I want to emphasize the great confidence we place in the group led by Filippo Volandri: a solid, united team, capable of turning every difficulty into further motivation. Our players have already demonstrated their ability to achieve extraordinary goals together, and I am confident that this time too they will be able to truly honor the colors of Italy."