Jannik Sinner gave the Pope a racket and invited him to play tennis. How did the Pontiff respond?

Italy is currently hosting one of the most prestigious tournaments — the Rome Masters, with Jannik Sinner among the competitors. But the Italian star has found time not only to battle on the court, but also to meet some of the world's most influential figures.

Details: According to the BBC, the world number one received an invitation from the Vatican and today met with Pope Leo XIV. Jannik Sinner presented the Pontiff with a tennis racket and even invited him to play a match. The Pope replied with a smile, "Better not."

In 2023, the Pope admitted that he considers himself an amateur tennis player.

Earlier, we reported that Jannik Sinner served a three-month suspension and has since returned to the court. At the Rome Masters, he's advanced to the quarterfinals, where he'll face Casper Ruud. The match is set for Friday, May 15.

Reminder: Recently, another intriguing pattern was found between the election of a new Pope and the World Cup winner in football.