• Jannik Sinner visits Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican during the Italian Open.
• The pope expressed interest in playing tennis but playfully declined Sinner's offer.
• Sinner is returning from a three-month doping ban and aims for victory in Rome.

Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner had a memorable encounter with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday at the Vatican, as part of his off day during the Italian Open. Sinner, accompanied by his parents and representatives from the Italian Tennis Federation, presented the pope with one of his racquets and suggested they play together. However, the pope humorously declined, citing the antiques in the reception room, saying, "Better not," which elicited laughter from those present, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

Pope Leo, who is an avid tennis player himself, had previously joked about not wanting to invite Sinner to a potential charity match due to the pun related to Sinner’s last name. Nonetheless, during their meeting, Sinner expressed delight, stating, "It's an honor," as he offered his racquet to the pontiff, according to South China Morning Post and NPR.

Currently participating in the Italian Open following a three-month ban due to accidental doping, Sinner is gearing up for a quarter-final match against either Casper Ruud or Jaume Munar, aiming to be the first Italian man to win the tournament since 1976. Sinner commented on the tournament's initial challenges, saying, "At the beginning of the tournament, it was a bit difficult," according to South China Morning Post and Reuters.

During the meeting, Angelo Binaghi, head of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, presented Pope Leo with an honorary federation card, highlighting the connection between the pope and tennis. Binaghi expressed that the meeting filled everyone with pride, underlining the pope's passion for the sport, according to Channel News Asia and NPR.