Musetti joins Sinner in missing Italy's Davis Cup title defence

Lorenzo Musetti joined Jannik Sinner in deciding to not take part in Italy's Davis Cup title defence on home soil after bowing out of the ATP Finals on Thursday.

World No 9 Musetti is Italy's second-highest ranked player after Sinner, and his decision to pull out comes only a few days before the Final 8 begins in Bologna on Tuesday.

"I spoke with the captain Filippo (Volandri) and we decided that giving my physical condition and my family situation away from the court, that I will not play in the Davis Cup," said Musetti, whose partner is due to give birth to his second child in a few days.

"Obviously there's a lot of regret and disappointment... With a better approach I might have tried to play the tournament even with my family commitments, so I'm sorry but this year I won't be part of the team."

Musetti and Sinner were key to Italy winning its first Davis Cup since 1976 two years ago and the successful title defence in 2024.

Musetti was beaten by Alcaraz 6-4, 6-1 late on Thursday, ending his debut appearance at the Finals at the group stage.