Holding one of his rackets and giving Leo another and a ball, Sinner suggested a quick volley but the Pope looked around and said: ‘Better not.’

Leo 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 returns to action at the Italian Open after the conclusion of the World No 1’s three-month doping ban. Sinner has not played since winning the Australian Open in January for his third grand slam title after the Italian reached a resolution agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).