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2d ago

Pope Leo XIV’s Tennis Joke Goes Viral as Jannik Sinner Advances at Italian Open

The new pope humorously comments on Sinner’s surname during his first press conference, while the tennis star progresses to the round of 16 after returning from a doping suspension.

Pope Leo XIV meets members of the international media in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Leo XIV meets members of the international media in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
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Overview

  • During his inaugural press conference on May 12, Pope Leo XIV joked about not inviting Jannik Sinner to a charity tennis match, referencing the English meaning of Sinner’s surname.
  • The pope’s lighthearted comment sparked significant online attention, with clips of the moment gaining traction on social media platforms.
  • Jannik Sinner, fresh off a three-month doping suspension, responded to the pope’s remarks after winning his Italian Open round-of-32 match against Jesper De Jong.
  • Sinner expressed positivity about having a pope interested in tennis and hinted at the possibility of playing with him in the future, though no plans are confirmed.
  • The Italian tennis star’s return to competition on May 4 marked the end of a suspension tied to a banned substance linked to a physiotherapist’s spray.