Delhi, 21 October (H.S.): Reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner has opted out of this year's Davis Cup Finals, dealing a blow to defending champions Italy. In contrast, World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz is set to lead Spain's campaign in the tournament.

Sinner, currently ranked second in the world, was instrumental in Italy's title victory last year. However, he will not participate in the Final 8, scheduled to be held in Bologna, Italy, from November 18-23.

The Italian team, announced on Monday, confirmed his absence.Jannik Sinner has not made himself available for 2025, stated Italy's captain, Filippo Volandri. The Davis Cup will always be his home, and I am confident he will be part of the team again soon. In the meantime, we have a strong team that will play at full strength.

Italy's squad includes Matteo Berrettini, Simone Bolelli, Flavio Cobolli, Lorenzo Musetti, and Andrea Vavassori.Sinner, who reached the final of all four Grand Slams this year, will defend his title at the ATP Finals in Turin the week before the Davis Cup, a tournament where Alcaraz will also compete.

Alcaraz will spearhead a Spanish team featuring Jaume Munar, Pedro Martínez, and Marcel Granollers, aiming to secure Spain's first Davis Cup title since 2019.Meanwhile, World No. 3 Alexander Zverev will make his Davis Cup Finals debut, having been selected for Germany's team.

Davis Cup Final 8 Draw (with seed numbers)

Quarter-final 1: 1-Italy vs. Austria

Quarter-final 2: 3-France vs. Belgium

Quarter-final 3: Spain vs. 4-Czechia

Quarter-final 4: Argentina vs. 2-Germany

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar