Jannik Sinner, the Italian tennis star, recently met Pope Leo XIV, who humorously declined to face him on the tennis court. The meeting took place in a private Vatican room, where Sinner presented the pontiff with a tennis racket and ball. Known for his enthusiasm for tennis, Pope Leo, who has humorously referred to himself as an amateur player, noted the risks of playing in such a setting. The encounter happened while Sinner participates in the Italian Open, marking his return to tennis after a doping ban, and highlights the popeâs engagement with sports.
During the encounter in a Vatican room, Sinner humorously suggested to Pope Leo XIV that they play a match, to which the pope replied, 'Here we'll break something. Best not to!'
Pope Leo XIV expressed reluctance to face Sinner in a joke, stating, 'Just don't bring Sinner,' referencing the tennis player's name while responding to a charity match inquiry.
After the meeting, Sinner remarked on the encounter with Pope Leo XIV, appreciating the pope's passion for tennis and suggesting it's beneficial to have such a figure in the sport.
Alberto Binaghi, president of the Italian tennis federation, presented Pope Leo XIV with an honorary membership, signifying a closer relationship between tennis and the Vatican.
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