Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, has been an enthusiastic tennis player throughout his life. "I consider myself quite the amateur tennis player," he stated in a 2023 interview with the Augustinian Order after becoming head of the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops.12 His passion for the sport developed during his years as a missionary in Peru, where local residents reported he played "in his free time at the local club."3

The first American pope in history has expressed eagerness to return to the court despite his demanding schedule.4 The Mediterranean climate in Rome, with its year-round outdoor tennis opportunities, provides an ideal setting for the pontiff's sporting interest.12 Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas has publicly stated he would welcome the opportunity to play with the Pope, saying, "I feel like figures like this maybe can teach humans things."1 Beyond tennis, Pope Leo is also known to enjoy reading, taking long walks, traveling, and spending time in nature.5

The historic meeting between Jannik Sinner and Pope Leo XIV on May 14, 2025, featured a lighthearted exchange centered around tennis equipment. Sinner presented the pontiff with one of his professional rackets, explaining that it was "very, very similar" to the one he plays with, differing only slightly in color.12 The Pope, examining the gift with interest, humorously contemplated whether his white cassock would comply with Wimbledon's all-white clothing rule-a clever nod to the prestigious tournament's strict dress code.34

The Vatican audience also included the presentation of Italy's Davis Cup trophy, which Sinner helped the national team win in both 2023 and 2024, and the Billie Jean King Cup trophy.56 When Sinner playfully suggested they "play a bit" with the new equipment, Pope Leo glanced at the antiques surrounding them in the Vatican's reception room and wisely declined with a smile, saying "Better not."37 The exchange came just days after the Pope had joked about not inviting "Sinner" to a charity match-a pun on the tennis star's surname that sparked numerous humorous reactions across social media.86

After serving a three-month doping suspension, Jannik Sinner made his triumphant return to tennis at the 2025 Italian Open, defeating Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4 in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.12 The world No. 1 had been absent from competition since winning the Australian Open in January, having accepted a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) over a case involving the banned substance clostebol.3 Despite WADA acknowledging that Sinner "did not intend to cheat" and was contaminated through his physiotherapist's use of a spray containing the prohibited substance4, the Italian star admitted to experiencing significant doubts during his suspension.

"At the start I was a bit confused because I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do," Sinner revealed upon his return.56 The enforced break gave him perspective on life beyond tennis: "I came to understand that what's important to me are the people by your side."5 Despite the layoff, Sinner showed minimal rust in his comeback match, with four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier noting, "It looked very, very similar to the guy we last saw in Australia holding the trophy."7 The timing of Sinner's ban-which expired just in time for him to compete at his home tournament and prepare for the French Open-sparked controversy in the tennis world, with some players questioning the fairness of the proceedings.89