Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner had a special meeting on Wednesday with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, who also loves tennis, the Vatican announced. Sinner came to the Vatican with his parents and a group from the Italian Tennis Federation.
Pope Makes a Funny Tennis Joke
Earlier this week, Pope Leo joked that he did not want to meet the world number one tennis player “behind the net.” When asked if he would play a charity tennis match, the pope said he might, but added with a smile, “Just don’t bring Sinner.” He made a playful pun on Sinner’s name, referring to the word “sinner” in the religious sense.
A Gift and a Laugh
Sinner gave the pope one of his tennis rackets. When someone suggested they could play a few shots, Pope Leo XIV looked up at the lights in the room and said, “Better not,” making everyone laugh.
Pope’s Tennis Background
Before becoming pope, Robert Prevost (now Pope Leo XIV) was a US Cardinal. In a 2023 interview, he described himself as “quite the amateur tennis player,” showing his love for the sport.
Jannik Sinner’s Comeback and Reaction
Sinner is currently playing in the Italian Open, held near the Vatican. This tournament marks his return after a three-month doping ban. When asked about the pope’s joke during a news conference, Sinner blushed and covered his face, saying, “Why do you have to put me in a difficult spot?” He also said it’s nice to have a pope who enjoys tennis.
