Charity tennis matches held at the Vatican tend to have a limited number of guests, and interestingly, they don’t typically include the world’s top male players.
Pope Leo XIV mentioned that he considers himself an “amateur tennis player.” However, he indicated that one prominent player, specifically Jannik Sinner, wouldn’t be invited.
During a media gathering with the new American Pope on Monday, reporters suggested playing a doubles match or perhaps arranging a charity event.
It’s noteworthy that while the Pope is keen to engage in sports coverage, Sinner has been noted for his impressive achievements. He has won three Grand Slam titles, all within the brief period since the 2024 Australian Open, swiftly establishing himself as a leading player at just 23 years old.
Despite his rising stardom, it seems Sinner is unlikely to visit the Pope in the near future. The Pope humorously explained that Sinner’s absence is somewhat understandable given his situation.
Earlier this year, Sinner was handed a three-month suspension from the Global Anti-Doping Agency after testing positive for banned anabolic steroids. This suspension was particularly relevant as it followed shortly after he secured his third Grand Slam victory.
However, it appears that the positive tests were not intentional. In March 2024, a low level of a prohibited steroid was detected after Sinner had received a massage involving a spray that contained the substance for treating minor injuries.
As of May 4th, Sinner’s suspension has been lifted, and he is competing at the Italian Open. Looking ahead, he aims to win his fourth Grand Slam title when the French Open kicks off on May 25th.
