Pope Leo spills his tennis secret to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner was given the opportunity to have a private audience with the new pope, Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. This encounter was a notable event, given that the newly elected Pope is known to be a passionate tennis enthusiast himself. 

In a 2023 interview on his Augustinian order’s website, Pope Leo once described himself as “quite the amateur tennis player.”  

Sinner was accompanied by his parents, Hanspeter and Siglinde, and the President of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, Angelo Binaghi. Before the meeting, the Pope joked that he did not want to face Sinner if it’s not behind the net. Moreover, when a reporter asked if he would join a charity match, Pope Leo jokingly remarked with “Just don’t bring Sinner,” making a Catholic pun about the tennis star’s surname. 

For the special event, the Pope received a tennis racket and a membership card from the young tennis player as a symbolic gift. Binaghi also presented the trophies won by Italy’s national teams, particularly the Davis Cup, claimed by the men’s team with Jannik Sinner as the standout player, and the Billie Jean King Cup, which was achieved by the women’s team.

Jannik Sinner is back competing on the courts at the Italian Open, held not far from the Vatican, after his three-month suspension. When asked about the Pope’s remarks in a press conference, Sinner said, “Why do you have to put me in a difficult spot?… Obviously, I heard that he played as a kid. I think it’s a good thing for us tennis players to have a pope who likes this sport that we’re playing.” 

In a social media post, Jannik Sinner remarked: “An immense honour to meet Pope Leo XIV (translated)” 

Many fans were thrilled by the crossover between faith and sport, calling the moment “incredible” and “well-deserved”. Some praised the Pope’s relaxed humour, while others expressed curiosity about his tennis skills.

“This is truly incredible. You’re the first sportsman the new Pope met. What a strength 🦊👊🏻,” one commented. Another also wrote, “Finally, I think that two tennis exchanges with the Pope are coming soon!! 😄🙌❤️”

Furthermore, in a video posted by NBC News, Father Joseph Farrell, the Vicar General of the Order of St. Augustine, showed the court where Pope Leo XIV regularly plays his tennis at least once a week. Netizens also commented on the video with one saying, “Would love to see him play, although I know he probably has to have some private moments.”