'It was something I will never forget': Jannik Sinner shares feelings after meeting Pope Leo XIV

Italy’s Jannik Sinner explains his feelings about meeting the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. The 23-year-old, who is regarded as one of the best players currently playing men’s tennis in the singles category, was invited by the Vatican along with his parents and a few members of the Federation to meet with the head of Catholic Christians, according to a report by Reuters.

Sinner was recently quoted in a report about meeting the newly elected Pope Leo. The reigning world number one described the experience as ‘very emotional’ and said he had never experienced something like that before.

“It was a bit with the Federation and everything,” he said. “Amazing, honestly. I never experienced something like this. I was very honored. I didn't know exactly really what to say, no? It was a very emotional thing also with my parents there. It was very nice. It was something I will never forget, that's for sure. Yeah, it's something else really. It's very difficult to say how it was because I never experienced something like this. I met important people in my young life. This was just something else. I was very honored and I appreciate that.”

Sinner, who has recently gone through a three-month ban after agreeing a deal with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for two positive dope tests in March last year, is currently taking part in the Rome Open. The ATP 1000 event moves towards the conclusion, where the remaining players give their all to secure the ultimate prize. Sinner cemented his spot in the event's semifinal with a thumping win over Norway’s Casper Ruud in straight sets with a score of 6-0, 6-1. The three-time Grand Slam winner will face America’s Tommy Paul in the last-four clash on Friday. The 27-year-old cemented his spot in the semifinal after beating Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-3. It will be the fifth meeting between the two players in professional tennis. In the previous four meetings, Sinner had a clear edge as he came out on top on three occasions.