Jannik Sinner‘s troubles seem to escalate every day, ever since he withdrew from Italy’s 2025 Davis Cup campaign. Although he admitted, “It wasn’t an easy decision”, the criticism has been growing to an unprecedented level back home. After former Italian icon Nicola Pietrangeli called his choice “a big slap in the face for Italian sport,” the World No.2 has faced yet another harsh response.

The Codacons (Coordinator of Associations for the Defense of the Environment and the Rights of Users and Consumers) has urged Sinner’s national honors to be revoked. The association scrutinized Sinner, stating that his decision “to give up playing the Davis Cup represents a slap in the face to Italy, to Italians and to millions of fans who are passionate about tennis,” The Codacons’ team is aware that every athlete has the right to make choices. Especially when it comes to their personal or financial interests. However, “such a choice must be carried out consistently. You cannot be Italy’s representative in the world when there is official recognition to be withdrawn, and then make sporting choices that go in the diametrically opposite direction.”

The 24-year-old has received a number of accolades after becoming a four-time major winner and the first Italian to be the ATP No. 1. He was honored as the Ambassador of Sports Diplomacy from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also previously received the Golden Collar of Sporting Merit from the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). Not to forget the honorary citizenship from the City of Turin. “After Jannik Sinner’s no to the Davis Cup, Codacons requests the withdrawal of all official recognitions and honors awarded to the tennis player.” revealed the Codacons’ team on October 21.

Additionally, the association issued another message for the World No 2. The Codacons wrote, “if Sinner dedicated less time to shooting commercials for any product, perhaps he would have the opportunity to better represent his country both in sport and outside of sport.”

Interestingly, Sinner recently came up with yet another response on his controversial Davis Cup call. According to him, he just wanted to have extra time to “get off on the right foot in Australia” in 2026. But after seeing the backlash over his decision, he came forward to clear his stance.

Jannik Sinner reveals the reason for skipping Davis Cup

Jannik Sinner is competing at the Vienna Open this week. Ahead of the ATP Finals, he wants to gain the winning momentum with a solid run in Austria. On Wednesday, he kicked off his campaign with a clinical win over Germany’s Daniel Altmaier.

After besting his opponent in just 58 minutes, the Italian sat down for the press conference. Alongside his performance, he was also asked pointed questions over the Davis Cup decision. When told about the growing backlash on his call, Sinner had a crystal clear answer.

Firstly, he took the accountability for his choice saying “I can say that I accept all the criticism”; however, his next response was enough to shut down any other remaining doubt. Without feeling the need of further explanation, he said, “I’ve already said everything and I have nothing more to add.”

Perhaps his entire focus right now is on his campaign in Vienna. On Thursday, he cleared another round at the ATP 500 event. Playing against compatriot Flavio Cobolli, he managed to win in straight sets. Next up, he will face Kazakh tennis star Alexander Bublik, on Friday.

The Italian is trying to give his best in remaining events of 2025 to make a comeback in the rankings. After Alcaraz snatched the top spot from him in New York, Sinner has been trying to reclaim it. And he has the chance to make it happen, only if he wins all of his remaining campaigns including Vienna, Paris Masters and then the ATP Finals.