'Could I Play At Wimbledon?': Pope Leo XIV Shares Laugh With Tennis Star Jannik Sinner During Vatican Visit; Video

In a rare and heartwarming intersection of faith and sport, Pope Leo XIV welcomed Italy’s tennis sensation for a private audience at the Vatican. The meeting took place in the rooms adjoining the Paul VI Hall and featured a lighthearted moment when the Pope asked the young star, “Could I play at Wimbledon?”

The visit came during a significant week for Italian tennis, as the 2025 Italian Open unfolds in Rome, attracting the world’s top players as part of the ATP and WTA 1000 circuits. Sinner, currently one of the tournament's main attractions, took time out of his competitive schedule to meet the spiritual leader.

Pope Leo XIV receives professional tennis player Jannik Sinner in the Vatican and asks for some sporting tips.

The audience took place in the rooms attached to the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, and the Pope also met with Mr. Sinner's family and the President of the Italian Tennis… pic.twitter.com/RoYTvivEyR

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 14, 2025

The Pope, known for his informal style and frequent references to sports as a vehicle for peace and unity, greeted Sinner warmly and also took time to meet his family, as well as Alberto Binaghi, President of the Italian Tennis Federation. The conversation reportedly touched on the values of discipline, perseverance, and humility—qualities shared by both top athletes and spiritual leaders.

In a humorous and widely appreciated moment, Pope Leo XIV asked Sinner if he could one day grace the lawns of Wimbledon himself. “Could I play at Wimbledon?” the Pope joked, drawing laughter from those present.

The event highlighted the Vatican’s continued outreach to the world of sports as a source of dialogue and inspiration for youth. For Sinner, it marked a memorable moment in a career already filled with historic milestones—and for Pope Leo XIV, it was another example of his ability to connect with people far beyond the traditional walls of the Church.

Novak Djokovic Pays Tribute To Virat Kohli With Heartfelt Instagram Story After Indian Batting Star Announces His Test Retirement

As the cricketing world reflects on the legacy of Virat Kohli following his retirement from Test cricket, tributes have poured in from across sports — including from tennis legend Novak Djokovic. The Serbian star took to Instagram to honor Kohli, sharing a photo of the Indian cricket icon with a simple yet powerful caption: "Incredible Innings."

The Instagram Story, posted shortly after Kohli made his retirement from Test cricket official, has gone viral across both tennis and cricket communities. Djokovic’s gesture reflects the immense global respect Kohli commands, not only within cricket but among the broader fraternity of elite athletes.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC'S INSTAGRAM STORY FOR VIRAT KOHLI. 🐐🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/6K50IMdVcH

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 12, 2025

Kohli, who ends his Test career as one of the modern greats with over 9000 runs and 30 centuries, has often spoken of drawing inspiration from athletes across disciplines — and Djokovic stands high among them. Likewise, Djokovic has previously expressed admiration for Kohli’s mental toughness and fitness standards, making this tribute all the more meaningful.

Novak Djokovic’s tribute highlights the mutual admiration between two of the fiercest competitors in their respective sports, and serves as a reminder of how sporting greatness transcends boundaries.