The Italian Open crowd has had plenty of local success to celebrate over the last week-and-a-half, with Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti reaching the semifinals of the men’s draw, and Jasmine Paolini reaching the final on the women’s side.

Leo, the first American pope, is an avid tennis player and fan and had said earlier this week that he would be up for a charity match when it was suggested by a journalist.

Jannik Sinner has just returned from a 3-month suspension and is already blessed by God. At least, that's how it seems. One day after meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, Sinner delivered a perfect 6-0 set at the Italian Open in Rome against Casper Ruud.