Article by Maria Olteanu – published on Saturday, May 10, 2025, 08:46 / Updated on Saturday, May 10, 2025 08:49
US cardinal Robert Prevost (69 years old) was named the new Pontiff on Thursday, and after this event Ilie Nastase launched a unique challenge to the one who will be known as Pope Leon XIV.
After finding out that the new Pope was passionate about tennis, Ilie Nastase said he would accept at any time to go to the Vatican to change a few balls. Also, the former world leader would announce that he would not go empty -handed in Italy, intending to take the pope in the form of a rockets with which he made history in the circuit.
Ilie Nastase would like to play tennis with Pope Leon
“I found out that the new Pontiff likes tennis, playing tennis in youth, and was watching all the important tournaments at international level.
I would have been willing, at any time, I could, I could go to the Vatican and change a few balls on the tennis court with its sanctity because I read that there is a tennis court. I don't know if we would like to play double or simple, but I would have to do a challenge.
If I will get there, I will give him a tennis missile with which I played at one of the big tournaments ”said Ilie Nastase, quoted by Orangesport.ro.
A few years ago, Pope Leon declared that one of the negative parts of the clergy life is the lack of free time, being an avid of tennis.
“I consider myself a pretty tennis player,” he said in an interview, according to Pillacarcaric. “Since I left Peru, I have had little opportunities to train, so I can't wait to get back to the field. Not that this job would have left me too much free time for it,” the American said.
