Pope Leo XIV, a tennis enthusiast, welcomed men’s world number one Jannik Sinner—currently participating in the Italian Open in Rome—according to a statement from the Vatican on Wednesday.

“The Pope’s passion for tennis is well known,” the head of the Vatican’s press office said in a short statement.

During the visit, Sinner was joined by members of his family and Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis Federation, he added.

Reports also indicate that the 69-year-old pope, originally from Chicago, not only enjoys watching tennis but also playing it.

In a 2023 interview following his appointment as cardinal, the former missionary in Peru stated:

 “I consider myself an amateur tennis player.”

“Since I left Peru, I haven’t had many opportunities to play, but I can’t wait to get back on the court.”

Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that, according to his friends, the Augustinian cardinal is known for his passion for tennis and often finds time to play despite his religious commitments.

During an audience with the international press on Monday, the pope was invited by a journalist to participate in a charity tennis tournament.

“Certainly,” replied the pope. “I’ll come with (Andre) Agassi,” he said.

“As long as it’s not Sinner,” he joked.

At a press conference on Monday, following his third-round win over Dutch player Jesper de Jong, Jannik Sinner was asked by journalists for his thoughts on having a pope who shares a love for tennis. 

“It’s great for tennis players to have a pope who follows us and who has played.” said Sinner.

One of the many facilities within the Vatican includes an outdoor clay tennis court.