Jannik Sinner, a rising star in the world of tennis, had the unique honor of meeting Pope Leo XIV recently!
The talented 23-year-old Italian tennis player paid a visit to the Vatican on Wednesday, May 14, where he had the opportunity to engage with the new pope in an inspiring meeting in Vatican City, Italy.
Pope Leo XIV, known for being the first American pope, is an avid tennis enthusiast and had playfully referenced Sinner‘s last name during a conversation with a journalist earlier that week. When asked if he would join a charity tennis match, the pope humorously remarked, “Just don’t bring Sinner.”
During their delightful meeting, Sinner presented the pope with a special tennis racket and proposed that they play a friendly game of volley inside the papal residence. However, the pope graciously declined due to the presence of valuable antiques in the room.
Reflecting on the pope’s earlier remarks, Sinner expressed amusement, saying, “Why do you have to put me in a difficult spot? Obviously, I heard that he played as a kid. I think it’s fantastic for us tennis players to have a pope who appreciates the sport we love.”
Also featured in the news: Sinner was seen competing in a thrilling quarterfinal match at the Italian Open on Thursday, May 15, held at the iconic Foro Italico in Rome, Italy.
