"No one has given more sweat for their country" - Carlos Alcaraz firmly defends Jannik Sinner against criticism for Davis Cup withdrawal

Carlos Alcaraz recently defended Jannik Sinner from the criticism the Italian has been facing for his decision to withdraw from the Davis Cup Finals. The Spaniard highlighted how much effort Sinner has previously put in for Italy, while emphasising that he completely understood his rival’s decision.

Sinner is the foremost tennis star of Italy at the moment. With the Davis Cup Finals taking place in Bologna this time around, many fans were disappointed when the World No.1 announced that he would not be playing for his country on home ground. Several Italian stars, including two-time French Open champion Nicola Pietrangeli heavily criticized the 24-year-old for his decision.

Recently, Carlos Alcaraz stepped in to defend Jannik Sinner from this criticism, telling Marca,

“The schedule is very tough and difficult. Even more so in Jannik's case, since he reaches the final rounds in every tournament. He's already won the Davis Cup the last two years representing his country, playing both singles and doubles. I think no one has given more sweat and effort for their country than him. It's true that this is the first year it's being held in Italy, and people wanted to see him at home, but everyone has to make their own decisions, and I personally understand his.”

For his part, Alcaraz has chosen to compete in the Davis Cup Finals and will be in action in Bologna on Thursday, November 20 as Spain takes on Czechia.

Carlos Alcaraz reflects on his battle for World No.1 against Jannik Sinner

Alcaraz and Sinner at the Nitto ATP Finals 2025 (Image Source: Getty)

For most of 2025, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have locked horns in a battle for the World No.1 ranking. While Sinner sat atop the chart for the first half of the year, Alcaraz successfully toppled the Italian after the US Open. However, after claiming title finishes at the China Open, Vienna Open, and Paris Masters, Sinner has successfully reclaimed the World No.1 spot.

Now, with the ATP Tour Finals right around the corner, Alcaraz will be looking to outdo the Italian once again, while Sinner will be trying to keep his Spanish rival at bay. Weighing in on their battle for World No.1, Alcaraz told Marca,

“In the end, I think it's turning out to be a good battle between Jannik and me to see who finishes as number one. If he finishes first, it's because he's earned it and has had a magnificent end to the season. He won in Vienna, he's coming off a win in Paris, and if he finishes number one, it's because he would win here and he deserves it. I, obviously, am going to try to fight to prevent that from happening. If it does happen, it wouldn't be a disappointment.”

At the ATP Tour Finals, Carlos Alcaraz has been placed in the Jimmy Connors Group alongside Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner is in the Bjorn Borg Group which includes Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton.