The world’s number one tennis player, Jannik Sinner, paid a visit to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Tuesday, accompanied by his parents, Hanspeter and Sieglinde, and Italian Tennis Federation (FITP) president Angelo Binaghi. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the Internazionali d’Italia in Rome, offered a mix of symbolism, humor, and goodwill — and helped defuse a minor media controversy involving the pontiff’s recent joke about the tennis star.
The light-hearted incident began two days earlier when Pope Leo — an outspoken fan of the sport — was asked whether he would consider hosting a charity tennis match to support papal missionary works. “Sure,” he replied, “as long as you don’t bring Sinner.” The pun on the player’s surname quickly made headlines. Was it a jab at the top-ranked player, or just a play on words?
When asked about the pope’s remark after his win over Jesper de Jong, Sinner laughed it off. “Why do you always put me in these situations?” he said, covering his face with his hands as the press room erupted in laughter. “I heard he played tennis as a child, and I think it’s a good thing for us as players to have a pope who enjoys the sport we play. As for the future… who knows.”
Tuesday’s meeting at the Vatican cleared the air. Sinner presented the pope with a customized racket “very similar to mine, just a different color,” he said, while Binaghi offered Leo an honorary FITP membership card. The Pope, amused, held up the racket and joked, “Would Wimbledon let me play?” A tennis ball was produced on cue, prompting Sinner to ask, “Shall we play?” The pontiff grinned and replied, “Maybe not here.”
The two chatted briefly. “Did you win last night?” Pope Leo asked. “The start of the tournament was tough,” Sinner replied, “but with three wins now, we’re in it.” The pontiff also asked if Sinner spoke German. “Yes,” he said, “we speak German at home.”
The Vatican Media broadcast images from the encounter, capturing the warm, playful exchange, a rare public moment for both the Church and the world of tennis.
Meanwhile, over at the Foro Italico, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz has already secured a spot in the semifinals.
