Tudor Belivaca article – published Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 16:00 / Updated Wednesday, May 14, 2025 16:00
Jannik Sinner (23 years old), the Italian tennis player ranked 1st, met with Pope Leon XIV, the new Pontiff passionate about “White Sport”.
Two days ago, the first Sovereign American Pontiff agreed to play a charitable tennis match and joked when he was asked if he would play with Sinner. The name of the Italian means “sinner”, and Pope Leon joked and said: “Do not bring Sinner, please.”
Jannik Sinner offered a gift tennis rocket to Pope Leon XIV
Now, Jannik Sinner has been received in the audience by Pope Leon XIV. Along with the number 1 ATP was Angelo Bianchi, the president of the Italian Tennis Federation.
The two shook hands, had a brief dialogue, and Sinner offered a rocket to the new Pontiff. The representative of the federation brought two trophies: the one won by the male Italian team at the Davis Cup and the one won by the female national at Billie Jean King Cup in 2024. The trophies will not remain, but the federation offered to the Catholic church leader a member of the Tennis Federation.
It is great to have a pope following us and played tennis.
-Jannik Sinner after finding out about Pope Leon's joke, according to gazetta.it.
Pope Leon XIV is a big fan of tennis
The new leader of the Catholic Church has repeatedly stated that it is a big fan of tennis. However, he does not neglect any other sports: according to a friend of his, Pope Leon also goes to football on the stadium and is a supporter of AS Roma.
I consider myself a pretty tennis player. Ever 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 that until now.
-Pay Leon XIV about his great passion
Jannik Sinner will be present on Stadio Olimpico in Rome for the final Coppa Italy. His favorite team, AC Milan, duels with Bologna for the trophy.
