Carlos Alcaraz on Davis Cup Withdrawals
Carlos Alcaraz has voiced his perspective on the recent withdrawals from the Davis Cup Finals, particularly that of Italy’s Jannik Sinner, which he believes has detrimentally impacted the lineup for the 2025 event. Slated to take place from November 18 to 23, 2023, in Bologna, the finals were expected to draw fans eager to see Sinner, Italy’s leading player, compete. Unfortunately, Sinner won’t be taking part, citing a need for an additional week of preparation ahead of his title defense at the Australian Open in January, aiming for a third consecutive championship.
Impact of Withdrawals on Italy’s Team
The situation became even direr for Italy as Lorenzo Musetti, the nation’s second-ranked player, also announced his withdrawal. Sinner has been instrumental in Italy’s success in previous Davis Cup events, contributing significantly to their victories in 2023 and 2024, which likely played a role in his choice to step back this year.
Alcaraz’s Sympathy and Suggestions
During a recent press conference at the 2025 ATP Finals, Alcaraz expressed sympathy towards both Sinner and Musetti, highlighting the demanding nature of the tennis season. He suggested that their decisions to withdraw stem from a need for more recovery time, as the grueling schedule can take a toll on even the most elite athletes.
“It’s understandable… to take a week for recovery and pre-season,”
the 22-year-old commented, underscoring the physical and mental demands faced by professional players.
Proposing Changes to the Davis Cup
Alcaraz also proposed the idea of holding the Davis Cup every two to three years instead of annually, arguing that it would enhance the prestige of the tournament. He believes that such a change could lead to increased player commitment and participation, as the event would become more unique and less routine. However, this suggestion faces significant challenges; the financial implications of reducing the frequency of the tournament could be considerable, impacting revenue for the International Tennis Federation and national associations involved in the event.
Personal Reflections on the Davis Cup
Alcaraz further elaborated on the unique experience of competing in the Davis Cup, emphasizing the pride and pressure that comes from representing one’s country. He referred to his participation in the previous year’s finals, held in Malaga, as a memorable moment, especially since it marked Rafael Nadal’s last appearance as a professional player before his retirement. Unfortunately for Nadal, the event did not conclude as he had hoped, as Spain was eliminated following losses from both Nadal and the doubles pair of Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers.
