Marin Cilic is one of the elder statesmen of the ATP Tour, having made his debut all the way back in 2005.
The Croatian is still competing at the highest level of the sport, with Cilic most notably having knocked Jack Draper out of Wimbledon this year.
The star is one of the few active Grand Slam winners in the current game and he is showing no signs of retirement.
One of Cilic’s crowning achievements was winning the 2018 Davis Cup with Croatia, and he’s reacted to Jannik Sinner’s decision to not play the tournament.
- READ MORE: Jack Draper reacts to Jannik Sinner’s decision not to play for Italy in the Davis Cup final
Marin Cilic shares his thoughts on Jannik Sinner’s Davis Cup withdrawal
Cilic has defended Sinner’s decision not to play in the Davis Cup this year citing his recent success for his nation.
Speaking to Flashscore, Cilic said: “Team Italy won their first Davis Cup in 1976. Their second and third came in the last two years (with Sinner).”
Sinner picked up victories against Sebastian Baez, Alex de Minaur, Tallon Griekspoor, and Novak Djokovic to help Italy win the trophy in consecutive years.
“I think Jannik even announced after winning it last year that he would take next year off from the Davis Cup, which is very understandable.
“Tennis seasons are extremely long and difficult, and Jannik probably wants some rest for next year, which is normal.”
Italy will feature Flavio Cobolli, Matteo Berrettini, Lorenzo Sonego, Simone Bolelli, and Andrea Vavassori for the 2025 event.
Jannik Sinner’s hectic schedule since the US Open
While Sinner did have three months off after the Australian Open, his schedule since the summer has been unforgiving.
The Italian has played 21 matches since the start of September after losing the US Open final to Carlos Alcaraz.
| Jannik Sinner’s schedule since the US Open | Result |
| China Open | W |
| Shanghai Masters | R32 |
| Vienna Open | W |
| Paris Masters | W |
| ATP Finals | W |
The world number two competed in five tournaments in three months, lifting four of them in Beijing, Vienna, Paris and Turin.
It’s no surprise the Italian is ending his season with the ATP Finals to rest and recover before the start of the 2026 season.
Sinner will likely start his ATP schedule at the Australian Open at the end of January.
