Picture Credit: Twitter
Prior to their group-stage matches this month, the Italian duo of World No. 36 Matteo Berrettini and No. 6 Jannik Sinner have withdrawn from the Davis Cup team. The decision was made in response to injuries sustained by both Italian players during the ongoing 2023 US Open.
Due to a cramp that prevented him from competing at the most recent US Open, Sinner was forced to withdraw. The 20-year-old played well, but his physical issues contributed to his 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 defeat to world No. 12 Alexander Zverev earlier this week.
Another setback for the Italian team came when Berrettini was forced to withdraw from his second-round US Open match against Arthur Rinderknech due to an ankle injury sustained in an unlucky fall.
Sinner announced the news of his withdrawal via his social media handle on Thursday. He wrote, “Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to recover after the tournaments in America, and unfortunately, I won't be able to be part of the team in Bologna. It is always an honour to play for our country, and I am convinced that I will return to the national team as soon as possible.”
While wishing Sinner a swift recovery, Italy's captain Filippo Volandri referred to Berrettini as unlucky. Volandri stated, “We wish Jannik a speedy recovery, we know how much he cares about the Davis Cup, he has already proved it. Matteo was once again very unlucky; he had made himself completely available to us. He was looking forward to this commitment because he knew it would be good for him. We are also waiting for him for the next challenges”.
The team will now comprise of Lorenzo Musetti, Lorenzo Sonego, Simone Bolelli, Andrea Vavassori, and Matteo Arnaldi. Italy will compete in Group A in Bologna against Canada, Chile, and Sweden from September 12 to 17. Italy advanced to the semi-finals in the previous year, but lost to Canada 2-1.
