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.
He went on to win 6-0, 6-1 to advance to the tournament’s semifinals.
Pope Leo, previously known as Robert Prevost, met Sinner briefly on Wednesday and the World No. 1 gave him some tennis tips.
Pope Leo XIV receives professional tennis player Jannik Sinner in the Vatican and asks for some sporting tips.
The audience took place in the rooms attached to the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, and the Pope also met with Mr. Sinner’s family and the President of the Italian Tennis… pic.twitter.com/RoYTvivEyR
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 14, 2025
But after Sinner’s performance on Thursday, the Pope may have been the one giving advice or even a blessing.
The Italian dismantled Ruud with an assortment of powerful serves and savvy play at the net.
Jannik Sinner being Jannik Sinner.
Simply sinsational. 🇮🇹🦊
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 15, 2025
Sinner is one of, if not the, best players in tennis right now so the result shouldn’t be surprising against most. But Ruud is the 7th-ranked player in the world and coming off the biggest title of his life after winning the Madrid Open.
For Sinner to destroy a player of Ruud’s caliber is otherworldly. Which is why some are correlating this epic performance with the meeting at the Vatican.
God mode #IBI25 pic.twitter.com/NgmWPbb3Ap
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 15, 2025
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All Ruud could do was laugh, which is what he did after winning his only game of the match. It lasted a mere hour and four minutes, quick work for the World No. 1.
If God is truly on Sinner’s side, it could be a rough year for anyone who hopes to beat the Italian.
