Davis Cup 2024: Top five tennis stars who will miss September matches ft. Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner & more

Published at :September 12, 2024 at 5:42 AM

Modified at :September 12, 2024 at 5:42 AM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

US Open champion Jannik Sinner will skip the tournament.

The Davis Cup 2024, often referred to as the World Cup of tennis, returns following the thrilling conclusion of the 2024 US Open. This prestigious tournament stands out for its unique format, pitting national teams against one another, rather than individual competition. Despite these differences, the level of skill and excitement is never compromised.

The 2023 Davis Cup edition witnessed Italy win their maiden title beating team Australia, led by now-two-time Grand Slam winner Jannik Sinner and Paris Olympics bronze medalist Lorenzo Musetti. After a hectic year of tennis, which involved all four Grand Slams along with the Games, it is now time for a highly exciting and competitive tournament.

Several tennis superstars, including 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz, are set to compete in the prestigious Davis Cup 2024. However, a few prominent names will miss the September matches. Let’s take a look at the top five tennis players who will not be participating in the September ties.

Players who will miss Davis Cup 2024

5. Taylor Fritz

A career-best outing was recorded at the US Open 2024 by home favourite, Taylor Fritz, as he reached the finals, eventually losing to Jannik Sinner in straight sets. Recently US announced their contingent including Brandon Nakashima, Mackenzie McDonald, Reilly Opelka, Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram and Fritz was a notable absentee.

The Americans are in a round-robin group that includes Chile, Germany and Slovakia. The top two countries in each of four groups will advance to the Davis Cup Finals on Nov. 19-24 in Malaga, Spain.

4. Lorenzo Musetti

The defending champions Italy will be without the services of Lorenzo Musetti, who had a tough US Open losing to Brandon Nakashima in the third round. The Italian expressed the need to take a few days off after the intense tour he has undergone in recent months, including participation in the Olympics.

Musetti has had an impressive year overall, including a splendid Wimbledon campaign, wherein he advanced to the semis of a Grand Slam final for the first time.

3. Frances Tiafoe

The US Open 2024 proved to be an excellent tournament for Frances Tiafoe, who fell agonizingly short of a maiden Grand Slam final after losing to fellow American Taylor Fritz in five sets in the semis. Just like Fritz, Tiafoe’s name too was missing from the US Davis Cup roster.

At the 2023 Davis Cup, Tiafoe had a heated exchange in his final encounter with the match officials, and angrily smashed his racquet into the ground. This offense costed the Americans a point, ultimately handing over their opponents an unassailable lead of 2-0.

2. Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner doping saga put to bed after WADA opts not to appeal — Jannik Sinner (Credits- Getty Images)

The US Open 2024 champion will miss the Davis Cup. Coincidentally it was Jannik Sinner who led Italy to a historical triumph at the 2023 Davis Cup, but the top seed will lose the opportunity to defend his throne as he has been rested ahead of the marquee event.

Sinner was the flagbearer in Italy’s victory over Australia as he defeated Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-0 in Malaga, leading Italy to its first Davis Cup title since 1976.

1. Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal’s last tennis appearance came at his final Olympic Games appearance in Paris where the Spaniard lost to eventual gold medalist Novak Djokovic in the second round and was beaten by the American doubles pair of Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek in the doubles quarters. The 14-time Roland Garros champion has not played a tennis tournament since, opting out of the US Open despite being offered a wild card.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner last competed at the Davis Cup in 2019. Historically, the 38-year-old has led Spain to four Davis Cup titles and will hope for the younger brigade led by the supremely talented Carlos Alcaraz to lead the way.

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