Jannik Sinner visits the new pope, Leo XIV, in Vatican City

By Ed McGrogan

Published Wednesday, May 14, 2025 01:26 PM

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner visited the new pope, Leo XIV, on Wednesday, gave him a tennis racquet—and even offered to play.
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.
By Wednesday, all seemed forgotten.
"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, Sinner suggested a quick volley.
But the pope looked at the antiques around and said, "Better not."
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