Rome: Jannik Sinner is disrespecting Italy with his decision not to play the Davis Cup finals in November and should think again, former Italy rugby prop Andrea Lo Cicero said Tuesday, noting that if you refuse to play for your country in rugby you get disqualified.
According to Ansa News Agency, world number two and four-time slam winner Sinner, 24, has been hit by widespread social media flak for deciding to skip the Davis Cup, where he led the Azzurri to victory in the past two editions, in order to focus on the ATP Finals, also in November, and his preparations for defending his Australian Open title in January-February.
“I’m sorry, it’s a no to your own national team, and if you do that in rugby, you’ll be disqualified,” said Lo Cicero, 49, whose 103 caps for the Italian rugby team were a record only eclipsed by another two legends, Sergio Parisse and Leonardo Ghiraldini, on Radio1 Sport Rai. “I think it’s a matter of respect for the country,” added the former Italian player, who retired in 2013.
“It’s true that Sinner has played a lot, it’s true that the tournaments are very long and therefore he needs rest, no one doubts that, but he could have handled it differently. All team sports are made up of individuals who contribute to the composition of the group, and the same goes for tennis. In Davis Cup, you work as a team,” Lo Cicero added.
“I repeat, I’m sorry because in this context he is leaving his team. And he is also an example for many young people. I hope Sinner can reconsider his position and represent Italy without further problems. I would make him think again, I would make him understand how important it is for him to participate in the national team’s competitions. He probably also needs to be encouraged.”
