Tennis Match OK But Without Sinner Quips Pope Leo

Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV, known for his enthusiasm for tennis, has agreed to participate in a charity tennis match aimed at supporting missionary work. However, the Pope humorously remarked that he would prefer not to play against Italian world number one, Jannik Sinner.

According to Ansa News Agency, during his first press conference with journalists, Pope Leo XIV was encouraged by a journalist to host a charity tennis event to benefit pontifical missionary efforts. The suggestion was made in light of the Pope’s well-known love for tennis.

In response, the Pontiff expressed his willingness to participate, stating, “Sure, that’s fine.” When the journalist humorously suggested bringing former tennis champion Andre Agassi to the event, the Pope replied with a playful twist, “Just don’t bring Sinner,” making a pun on Jannik Sinner’s surname, which in English translates to “a sinner.”