Wimbledon Champion Jannik Sinner Wins Title Shortly After Meeting Pope

London, July 15, 2025: Just weeks after meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, Jannik Sinner made tennis history on July 14 by becoming the first Italian man to win the Wimbledon singles title. The 23-year-old world No. 1 defeated Carlos Alcaraz in four sets at the All England Club in London, marking another milestone in his remarkable rise. During their May audience, Sinner gifted the Pope one of his tennis rackets—a gesture that highlighted both reverence and light-hearted goodwill.

During a charity event preview, Pope Leo XIV jokingly told reporters, “Just don’t bring Sinner,” playing on the double meaning of the tennis star’s surname. The remark sparked laughter and went viral—highlighting the Pope’s sense of humour and connection with current culture.

Soon after, Sinner was invited for a private audience with the Pope. He presented a white tennis racket to the Holy Father, who smiled and declined a joking invitation to play, saying, “We’d break something here.” Reflecting on the meeting, Sinner remarked, “It’s a good thing for us tennis players to have a Pope who likes this sport that we’re playing.”

Raised in a Catholic family in Italy’s South Tyrol region, Sinner's Wimbledon win, following a lighthearted papal encounter has captured hearts across Italy and beyond—blending sporting triumph with a moment of faith and humour.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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