Try to think what emotions the hat-trick could give to Bologna in front of their fans. It will be played from 18 to 23 November
The news is one that makes noise. Jannik Sinner said no to the blue shirt for the Davis Cup Finals. A blow to the heart for Italian tennis fans who were already anticipating a sensational trio after the two consecutive victories in Malaga. A choice that hurts even more because this year the Silver Salad Bowl will be awarded in Italy, in Bologna from 18 to 23 November. Sinner explained his reasons by talking about a difficult choice and the need to best prepare for next season, starting with the Australian Open. Also because – he added – Davis has already won it twice. In other words, that’s enough for now. But why, we ask ourselves. It’s never enough. There are great champions like Rafa Nadal and John McEnroe who have won this trophy five times. And they have always done false cards to play this Cup, a time more grueling than today.
precedence
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This time, in short, the personal interest of the world number two comes before the national team and the tricolour. There is no doubt that our leader needs to sip and select his commitments. The last few months have brought to light a Sinner who is a little physically fragile, often struggling with more or less serious physical problems. The wear and tear of modern tennis weighs heavily on him despite his young age. The long-distance challenge with Carlos Alcaraz then became a centrifuge from which it is difficult to escape. On the other hand, it is undeniable that the better Jannik performs, the more all of Italian tennis gains. Since 10 June 2024, the day he rose to the top of the rankings, the red from Val Pusteria has been the driving force behind a group of tennis players who with their results have led Italy to be the leading world power. And not only that, because the grassroots movement has literally exploded with tennis schools across the country being taken over by children who dream of becoming like him one day.
unique emotions
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Having said all this, for any sportsman the national team must always be the national team, a wonderful superior entity. That shirt gives unique emotions and is one of the few things that manages to unite the country. Yes, repeating the success at the ATP Finals in Turin is an important objective (also for the rankings). The blue trio, however, would contain even higher values. This is why we sincerely hope that Jannik will reconsider. You have until November 17th to review the plans. It would be an important gesture towards his teammates, fans and also for his personal image. Our standard bearer goes back in time for a moment to the semi-final against Djokovic’s Serbia in 2023 or to the final against Australia. Think back to the explosion of joy displayed after last year’s victory against the Netherlands. The photo of him raising the Cup to the sky and his teammates celebrating around him will remain in history. Strong, unique feelings because when you win with the blue on you it’s something else. And this, rest assured, is not rhetoric. In short, a champion only has to gain from it. Our Jannik then imagines what it could be like to win the third consecutive Davis Cup right in front of his audience, perhaps after a final with Spain’s long-time rival Carlos Alcaraz. Without its leader, Italy has a good team. Matteo Berrettini gets excited when he sees the tricolor, Lorenzo Musetti can be a guarantee, Flavio Cobolli a pleasant surprise. The Bolelli-Vavassori double is among the top fifteen worldwide. But Jannik’s absence would weigh heavily. Because with him we almost always start from 1-0 and he has shown in the past that he can be decisive even in doubles. In short, dear Jannik, stop and think between one match and another. Great men are also those who know how to go back after a truly perplexing decision.
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