Former ATP Player Labels Davis Cup a ‘Joke’ After Jannik Sinner’s Withdrawal

Jannik Sinner got a lot of criticism because of his withdrawal from Davis Cup.

Former ATP Player Labels Davis Cup a ‘Joke’ After Jannik Sinner’s Withdrawal

Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)

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On the Inside-In podcast, former world No. 21 John Lloyd strongly criticised the new Davis Cup format. He argued that the changes have hurt the event. Meanwhile, the ITF continues to defend the structure despite growing backlash.

Lloyd also commented on Jannik Sinner’s decision to skip the competition. Sinner chose to rest and focus on the next season. His withdrawal sparked heavy criticism in Italy. Some voices even suggested taking back his past medals. Lloyd said on Inside In Podcast:

To be honest, my reaction (to Sinner’s withdrawal) was one of sadness, not because Italy won, but because of what the Davis Cup has become today. I’ve been saying it for years: the Davis Cup has become a bit of a joke…But Musetti and Sinner didn’t play for physical reasons. They simply said they wanted to rest and prepare for next year. To me, it’s unbelievable. That’s where the Davis Cup has come to today. This would never have happened in my day.

Sinner had been central to Italy’s recent success. He played a major role in their Davis Cup wins in 2023 and 2024. His absence didn’t affect the team as Italy secured their third consecutive Davis Cup title. Carlos Alcaraz also missed the event. He picked up an injury at the ATP Finals, which ruled him out of Davis Cup play. With both stars absent, the tournament’s profile took a major hit.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner face an ATP Penalty

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner were expecting financial penalties, but the final numbers have now been confirmed. Both players finished near the top of the ATP bonus pool standings. That position usually brings big payouts. This time, strict rules cut into their earnings.

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz 4K, Jannik Sinner HQ)

The ATP bonus pool holds $21 million. Payments go to players who earn the most points at major tour events. The rules reduce a player’s share if they miss Masters 1000 tournaments. Alcaraz ranked first and was set to receive $4.8 million. Because he skipped the Canadian Open and Shanghai Masters, his bonus was cut in half.

Alcaraz avoided further penalty for missing Madrid. He appeared at the event and completed media duties, which protected his payout. His final bonus comes to $2.4 million. This adds to the more than $18.8 million he earned in prize money during the season.

Sinner faces a tougher outcome. Missing four Masters 1000 events made him ineligible for any bonus payment. Three absences came during his doping suspension, which caused him to skip Indian Wells, Miami, and Madrid. He also chose not to play the Canadian Open after winning Wimbledon.

Jannik Sinner’s winning percentage in 2025 compared to the rest

The 2025 ATP season highlighted strong records from the game’s biggest names. Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic all finished with outstanding win percentages. Eight of the world’s top ten also appeared among the top performers for match wins. Players outside the top ten, like Ben Shelton and Lorenzo Musetti, also produced solid numbers.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)

Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alexander Zverev, Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz filled the lower half of the top-ten list. Each of them earned consistent results and collected titles at different levels. Their win rates ranged from just under 68% to nearly 70%. All four ended the season inside the world’s top twenty.

Alex de Minaur and Casper Ruud followed with strong campaigns of their own. De Minaur made two ATP 500 finals and earned one title. Ruud lifted trophies in Madrid and Stockholm and added another final in Dallas. Jack Draper impressed as well, winning Indian Wells before his season ended early through injury.

The top three spots went to Djokovic, Alcaraz and Sinner. Djokovic posted a 78% win rate with two titles. Alcaraz delivered one of his best seasons, winning eight titles and finishing year-end No. 1. Sinner led everyone with a 90.6% win rate, collecting two majors, the ATP Finals, the Paris Masters and two ATP 500 trophies.

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