Pope Leo XIV received a special gift from world number one tennis player Jannik Sinner on Wednesday — a brand-new tennis racket. The meeting, which took place during Sinner’s day off from the ongoing Italian Open, included a light-hearted exchange where Sinner invited the pope to play a few volleys. However, Pope Leo humorously declined, expressing a concern that they might accidentally “break something.”
The new pope, who recently made headlines for his unique background as an American hailing from both North and South, has been generating interest not only for his clerical duties but also for his passion for sports. Earlier in the week, he engaged with a pilgrim by asking about their favorite baseball team, showing his loyalty as a lifelong fan of the Chicago White Sox.
During Wednesday’s meeting, Sinner presented the pontiff with the racket, which led to a brief conversation about Wimbledon’s strict all-white dress code. The pope quipped about his cassock, jokingly suggesting that he would fit right in at the prestigious tournament.
Sinner expressed appreciation for having a pope who enjoys tennis, highlighting the significance for players in the sport. When discussing the prospect of a charity match, Pope Leo XIV lightened the mood by joking, “as long as they don’t bring Sinner,” to which the tennis star cheekily responded, “Are you trying to get me into trouble?”
For Sinner, the encounter marks a moment of joy amidst recent challenges, including his recent return from a three-month doping suspension for an accidental infraction. The athlete is set to compete against Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals of the Italian Open on Thursday.
This interaction between Sinner and Pope Leo XIV not only showcases the pope’s engaging personality but also fosters a connection between sports and faith, offering a glimpse of a more approachable and relatable papacy. With both figures promoting positivity and camaraderie, it serves as a hopeful reminder that sports can bridge different worlds.