VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has apparently made peace with Jannik Sinner. The top-ranked tennis player visited the new pope on Wednesday, gave him a tennis racket and offered to play, during an off day for Sinner at the Italian Open, the Vatican said.

This was Jannik Sinner's 50th victory as the ATP's top-ranked player, in just his 53rd outing as the world number one. Since the ATP rankings were first published in 1973, that is the joint-fewest matches required to reach 50 wins as the world number one,

Italy’s Jannik Sinner serves the ball to Netherlands’ Jesper De Jong during their tennis match at the Italian Open at the Foro Italico, in Rome, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Italy’s Jannik Sinner returns the ball to Netherlands’ Jesper De Jong during their tennis match at the Italian Open at the Foro Italico,

Jannik Sinner went to extreme lengths to make sure Jesper De Jong was fully supported after the Dutchman suffered a nasty injury during their match at the Italian Open. In the fifth game of the second set, De Jong slipped on the clay surface and tumbled to the floor.

Jannik Sinner's first practice for the Italian Open is open to the public. Jannik Sinner and Jack Draper practiced together on clay courts in France. Jannik Sinner appears to have a new girlfriend. Nick Kyrgios implied he is playing in the 2025 French Open but is not on the entry list.

In a clash between two of the fastest players on tour, American 11th seed Tommy Paul takes down Australia's Alex de Minaur in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals.

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.

Jannik Sinner is gearing up for the first true test of his pre-Roland Garros form after after cruising into the last 16 of the Italian Open on Monday (Tuesday Manila time), as Aryna Sabalenka's bid for a first Rome title continued with a straight-sets win over Marta Kostyuk.