“It became known that the new pontiff is a big fan of tennis”, – WRITE: Sport.ua
It became known that the new pontiff is a great fan of tennis. Old interviews appeared, in which 69-year-old prevoes confesses to the love of sports. It is also known that he is cheering for the Chicago Cubs baseball club, and in one interview hinted at his success at the court.
“I consider myself quite good tennis-amateur,” Pope Leo XIV said in 2023. – Since I left Peru, I had a little opportunity to play, so I look forward to when I could return to the court (laughs). Although the new position has not left me in spare time lately. ”
It can be assumed that in the role of the head of the Catholic Church he has no time for tennis. However, the tennis world warmly perceived the news of its election.
Leo XIV continues the tradition of pontiffs who are indifferent to tennis. The late Pope Francis, for example, congratulated the Italians shortly after the victory of Jannik Sinner at the Open Australian Championship of 2024.
“Sport is not only a competition but also a relationship,” Francis said during a speech at Real Club de Tenis in Barcelona. “And tennis is a dialogue that often turns into art.”