Rome: A ‘holy’ union in the Vatican witnesses Pope Leo XIV meet with Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner. The top-ranked player visited the new pope on Wednesday during an off day at the Italian Open in Rome.
Leo, the first American pope, was gifted with a tennis racket and asked for tennis tips from Sinner. Leo is an avid tennis fan and had mentioned his willingness to play a charity match when it was suggested by a journalist earlier this week.
At the time, Leo joked “but we can’t invite Sinner,” an apparent reference to the English meaning of Sinner’s last name.
“It’s an honour,” Sinner said in Italian as he and his parents were welcomed in a reception room of the Vatican’s auditorium. With one racket in his hand, Sinner gave Leo another and a ball and suggested a quick volley. But the Pope quickly brushed off the suggestion after looking at the antiques around and said.
Hailing from Chicago, the 69-year-old was in a jovial mood. His joke about the white cassock and its suitability for Wimbledon, which has an all-white clothing rule, left everyone in stitches.
WATCH: Pope Leo XIV hosts Sinner family in the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV receives professional tennis player Jannik Sinner in the Vatican and asks for some sporting tips.
The audience took place in the rooms attached to the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, and the Pope also met with Mr. Sinner’s family and the President of the Italian Tennis… pic.twitter.com/RoYTvivEyR
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 14, 2025
The top-ranked player will feature in a quarterfinal match on Thursday in his comeback tournament after a three-month ban for doping.
Sinner’s next opponent will be the winner between Casper Ruud and Jaume Munar. Sinner is eyeing script history on his home turf, with the aim to become the first Italian man to win the Rome title since Adriano Panatta in 1976, feeding his hunger to conquer Rome.
(With inputs from AP)
Pope Leo XIV met Italian tennis superstar Jannik Sinner and his family in the Vatican. The world number one made full use of his off day at the ongoing Italian Open. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
