ROME โ Jannik Sinner recently shared his thoughts on the fact that the newly elected pope enjoys playing tennis, considering it beneficial for the tennis community. The playful sentiment extended to a light-hearted comment from Pope Leo XIV, who quipped about not organizing a match with Sinner, likely due to a humorous nod to the English interpretation of the Italian playerโs surname.
This playful banter unfolded during the popeโs meeting with international journalists, where they suggested arranging a doubles match or a charity game. The pope seemed enthused by the idea but added, โwe canโt invite Sinner,โ making reference to the pun inherent in Sinnerโs name, which in English suggests โa wrongdoer.โ The comment was delivered in good humor and elicited laughter.
When questioned about the pontiffโs jest after his 6-4, 6-2 triumph over Dutch qualifier Jesper De Jong at the Italian Open โ a location conveniently near the Vatican โ Sinner paused momentarily. He then jokingly responded, โWhy do you have to make things difficult for me?โ
Acknowledging the popeโs history with tennis, Sinner expressed, โI heard that he played as a kid. I think itโs a great opportunity for the tennis community to have a pope interested in the sport we love.โ This expression of support highlights the potential for tennis to reach broader audiences.
Regarding the prospect of sharing the court with Pope Leo, he speculated, โFor the future, weโll see. Who knows what could happen.โ