Jannik Sinner presents tennis racket to Pope Leo XVI, invites him to play

World No. 1 player Sinner meets new pope and tennis fan Leo XVI ahead of Italian Open quarterfinals

World No. 1 player Sinner meets new pope and tennis fan Leo XVI ahead of Italian Open quarterfinals
World No. 1 player Sinner meets new pope and tennis fan Leo XVI ahead of Italian Open quarterfinals

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner meets tennis fan new Pope Leo XVI during off day from the Italain Open.

The top-ranked tennis player visited the new pope on Wednesday, gave him a tennis racket and offered to play, during an off day for Sinner at the Italian Open.

Leo, the first American pope, is an avid tennis player and fan and had said earlier this week that he would be up for a charity match when it was suggested by a journalist.

But at the time, Leo joked "we can't invite Sinner," an apparent reference to the English meaning of Sinner's last name.

"It's an honor," Sinner said in Italian as he and his parents arrived in a reception room of the Vatican's auditorium. Holding one of his rackets and giving Leo another and a ball, the three-time Grand Slam champion suggested a quick volley. But the pope looked around at the antiques and said, "Better not."

Leo, a 69-year-old from Chicago, then appeared to joke about his white cassock and its appropriateness for Wimbledon, perhaps a reference to the All England Club's all-white clothing rule.

He asked how the Italian Open was going. "Now I'm in the game," Sinner said. "At the beginning of the tournament, it was a bit difficult." Sinner has a quarterfinal match on Thursday in his first tournament back after a three-month ban for doping that was judged to be an accidental contamination.

He will next face freshly crowned Madrid champion Casper Ruud. Sinner is attempting to become the first Italian man to win the Rome title since Adriano Panatta in 1976.

During the audience, Angelo Binaghi, the head of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, gave Leo an honorary federation card.

Read more : Sports
Ian McLauchlan, legendary Scotland rugby captain and Lions star, passes away at 83
Ian McLauchlan, legendary Scotland rugby captain and Lions star, passes away at 83
Ian McLauchlan played 43 matches for Scotland and was the captain 19 times
Jack Draper’s Queen’s title dream ends as Jiri Lehecka reaches historic final
Jack Draper’s Queen’s title dream ends as Jiri Lehecka reaches historic final
Lehecka became the first player from the Czech Republic to reach the Queen's final in 35 years after Ivan Ledl
Cristiano Ronaldo’s surprising wish to have Messi’s skills revealed by Louis Saha
Cristiano Ronaldo’s surprising wish to have Messi’s skills revealed by Louis Saha
Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League while Messi plays for Inter Miami in MLS
Novak Djokovic reveals most talented player among Federer, Nadal, and himself
Novak Djokovic reveals most talented player among Federer, Nadal, and himself
Who is the most talented among Big Three, Nadal, Federer or Djokovic? Serbian reveals his verdict
Cristiano Ronaldo almost joined River Plate for FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
Cristiano Ronaldo almost joined River Plate for FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
Ronaldo wanted to join River Plate for the FIFA Club World Cup, claims coach Marcelo Gallardo
Aryna Sabalenka makes thrilling comeback, beats Rybakina at Berlin Open
Aryna Sabalenka makes thrilling comeback, beats Rybakina at Berlin Open
World No. 1 Sabalenka saves four match points to defeat Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals
Alexander Zverev overcomes sudden sickness to defeat Cobolli at Halle Open
Alexander Zverev overcomes sudden sickness to defeat Cobolli at Halle Open
Alexander Zverev will now face Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals
Angel Reese turns insult into power with new ‘Mebounds’ brand to fight online bullying
Angel Reese turns insult into power with new ‘Mebounds’ brand to fight online bullying
The word 'Mebound' was first used to make fun of Angel Reese for grabbing rebounds
Lionel Messi speaks on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo: 'No friendship, just respect'
Lionel Messi speaks on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo: 'No friendship, just respect'
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 938 goals in his career, holding a significant lead over Messi who has 850 goals
Jannik Sinner surprises fans with new song alongside Italian singer Andrea Bocelli
Jannik Sinner surprises fans with new song alongside Italian singer Andrea Bocelli
Jannik Sinner and Bocelli have collaborated to release a new song called 'Polvere e Gloria' (Dust and Glory)
Lionel Messi earns praise after brilliant free-kick in Club World Cup
Lionel Messi earns praise after brilliant free-kick in Club World Cup
Messi scores match winning goal in Inter Miami triumph over FC Porto in FIFA Club World Cup
LeBron James makes bold proposal for NBA game length
LeBron James makes bold proposal for NBA game length
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James proposes new bold changes in the NBA games