Jannik Sinner issued fresh ‘ban’ by the Pope as organisers told ‘don’t bring him.
Jannik Sinner might have returned from his doping suspension, but now the world No.1 is facing another ban. Sinner has returned for the Italian Open in Rome, and is through to the last-16 following 6-4 6-2 win over Dutch qualifier Jesper De Jong.
His comeback continues today against Argentine player Francisco Cerundolo. But following his latest victory, Sinner also had to address comments made by the new pope, Leo (Prevost) XIV. He met with journalists on Monday and ended the discussion with a talk about tennis.
The 69-year-old is said to be a keen player and a fan of the game. One reporter referred to his hobby before suggesting he could help organise a match for charity.
Sure, that’s fine, said the Pontiff before the journalist joked: I’ll bring Agassi. The pope then smiled before quipping back: Just don’t bring Sinner.
However, it is unlikely the American was implying further punishment for the star after his doping controversy. Instead, he appeared to be joking at the nature of his surname and the fact that he’s deemed the world’s best player.
The Italian Open is being played on the outdoor clay courts at the Foro Italico in the Italian capital, which is less than two miles from the Vatican. After beating De Jong, Sinner was pressed on what he thought of the new pope’s love of tennis.
Why do you have to make things difficult for me? he said, smiling. Obviously, I heard that he played as a kid. I think it’s a good thing for us tennis players to have a pope who likes this sport that we’re playing.
When asked about the possibility of a rallying session with Prevost, the 23-year-old paused before hesitantly saying: For the future, we will see. Who knows.
