Novak Djokovic’s former coach defends Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s decision to skip the Davis Cup and prioritizing themselves

Ricardo Piatti rushes to defend the youngsters who skipped Davis Cup.

Novak Djokovic’s former coach defends Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s decision to skip the Davis Cup and prioritizing themselves

Ricardo Piatti(L), Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz(R) (Image via Functional Tennis and Eurosport)

ATP World No.1 Novak Djokovic’s former coach Ricardo Piatti defended Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner by justifying their absence from the Davis Cup on account of self-preservation. Following their disappointing US Open campaigns, both players were not seen representing their countries at the Davis Cup.

Following the youngsters’ absence from the court at the Davis Cup, they were subjected to criticism by former Italian tennis player Adrian Pannata. The former tennis player had mentioned that Novak Djokovic had taught them a lesson by showing up to the tournament. However, it was the Serb’s former coach, Ricardo Piatti, who came to the defense of the youngsters.

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“I don’t understand the controversy. Sinner and Alcaraz gave up on the Davis Cup because they were thinking about their survival,” said Piatti to the Corriere dello Sport. The Italian coach rushed to the defense of the absentees, by justifying them with the simple reason of self-preservation. He also revealed that former players can in no way comment on the tennis being played today, saying that today’s game gives the players less time to improve and more risk of injury.

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However, regardless of their presence at the Davis Cup, both Sinner and Alcaraz have been proving that they are at the best forms of their career. Following the busy year that they have had, it only seems fair that they take some time off. However, their lack of representation in their home countries put them in a difficult position, for they will not be able to contend at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

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Alcaraz is no match for Djokovic says Marion Bartoli

Former Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli has established that considering the current level of his game, Carlos Alcaraz is no match for Novak Djokovic at the moment. While the Spaniard is just starting out on his career, the Serb has already accomplished all there is to the sport. Nevertheless, despite the 15-year age difference, Alcaraz is nowhere near Djokovic’s game according to Bartoli.

Marion Bartoli(L) and Novak Djokovic(R) (Image via Daily Express and Sports Illustrated)

“One has won three Grand Slam titles this season and the other has won one,” said Bartoli in an interview with Tennis Majors. The difference between the players is seen in their final appearances as well. While the Serb has appeared in all four Grand Slam finals, Alcaraz has appeared only at Wimbledon, where he won the title.

However, the Frenchwoman also said that this dynamic between the players might change as well. While Alcaraz is just starting out his career, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is already penning down the final chapters of his glorious tenure in the sport. Nevertheless, Djokovic seems to be dominating over the youngster at the moment.

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