World No.1 Tennis Player Jannik Sinner Meets Newly Elected Pope Leo XIV at Vatican

Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1 Italian tennis player, met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican during the Italian Open, marking one of the Pope's first private audiences. The 23-year-old gifted the Pope a racket and ball, jokingly inviting him to play, though the Pope declined due to the Vatican's ornate surroundings, and humorously noted his papal attire would be suitable for Wimbledon. Pope Leo XIV, formerly US Cardinal Robert Prevost, is an avid amateur tennis player and had previously joked about not inviting 'Sinner' to a charity match, referencing the player's name. Sinner is playing his first tournament since a three-month doping ban, impressively reaching the quarter-finals without dropping a set, and is set to face Casper Ruud in a pivotal match. The meeting was attended by Sinner's family and the Italian Tennis Federation president, who brought trophies won by Italy in 2024, highlighting the significance of this sporting and cultural moment. Sinner aims to become the first Italian man to win the ATP tournament in Rome since 1976, bolstered by the support of his home fans and a Papal blessing.