Martina Trevisan has defended Jannik Sinner's decision to skip the Davis Cup Final 8 as the Italian WTA player suggests the four-time Grand Slam champion made a valid explanation.
While competing at the ATP 500 tournament in Vienna in late October, Sinner announced that his season would end after the ATP Finals. As the reason for withdrawing from the Davis Cup, the world No. 2 said that he needed that one extra week because he wanted to start his Australian Open preparation on "the right foot."
Sinner faced major criticism and backlash in his country. Nicola Pietrangelli, one of the most iconic Italian tennis players who passed away this Monday, ripped the 24-year-old's decision as "a big slap in the face to the Italian sports world."
Lorenzo Musetti, the Italian male No. 2, also pulled out of the Davis Cup Final 8. Still, the Italian team led by Matteo Berrettini and Flavio Cobolli ended up winning the title.
Trevisan defends Sinner: People unfamiliar with this life can't understand everything we deal with
"I don’t think it’s a mistake. There are many tournaments during the year and people who don’t know this life can’t understand everything we deal with. We’re lucky to live this life, but it’s not as shiny as it looks. There are many sacrifices and a lot to handle mentally. At the end of the year you must listen to your body and your mind and decide what’s better for you," Trevisan told CLAY.
"For me, playing for Italy is always a privilege and a dream, but every player is different and timing matters. For example, Lorenzo Musetti—with his girlfriend Veronica, they are expecting a baby. That’s an incredible moment in private life; it happens once or twice in life, and it’s important to be present."
In 2023, Sinner led Italy to their first Davis Cup title since 1976. He also played the biggest part in Italy successfully defending their title in 2024.