Daily Dose of Social Media: Jannik Sinner gifts racket to pope Leo, Sabalenka's farewell message after Rome

In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, Jannik Sinner provided the most notable moment of the day with his visit to the new Pope Leo XIV, where the world No. 1 gifted him a racket and shared a conversation with the new bishop of the Vatican, a declared tennis fan.

On the other hand, Aryna Sabalenka left a reflective message highlighting the positives of her time at the Rome Open, despite her quarterfinal elimination against Zheng Qinwen and an outburst due to frustration while facing the Chinese player.

Jannik Sinner visited the new Pope Leo XIV this Wednesday, where the world No. 1 gifted him a racket and offered to play a few points. "It's an honor," Sinner said in Italian upon arriving with his parents at a reception hall in the Vatican auditorium. Holding one of his rackets and handing Leo another and a ball, the three-time Grand Slam tournament champion suggested a quick rally. But the Pope looked around at the antiques and said, "Better not."

Leo, 69, and originally from Chicago, then appeared to joke about his white cassock and its suitability for Wimbledon, in a reference to the All England Club's all-white dress code. Leo, the first American Pope, is an avid tennis player and fan and had said earlier this week that he would be willing to participate in a charity match when a journalist suggested it.

Another video on social media shows the fun, relaxed moment Sinner had with his work team when they were playing with a small soccer ball in the corridors of the Foro Italico. In the video captured by the venue's cameras, all members of his technical team are seen having fun with laughter while playing with a ball, and Sinner even ends up laughing on the floor after the moment.

Sinner will return to the court this Thursday, May 15th, to face world No. 6 Casper Ruud, in which he will seek to reach the semifinals of the Italian Open for the first time in his career. The world No. 1 comes from overcoming a tough battle against Argentine Francisco Cerundolo (17th seed) and achieved his third consecutive victory after returning to the Tour following a three-month suspension, and he is yet to drop a set in the tournament.

Serena Williams shared some images on social media over the last day. First, a couple of photos with her husband Alexis Ohanian having coffee in the city, and a few hours later, the 23-time Grand Slam champion posted a video on social media showing her outfit change, promoting a makeup company. “I’ll be ready in a second - but in the meantime, imma put my thing down flip it and reverse it” she wrote in the Instagram post.

Williams, who retired in 2022, continues to balance her family life with her commitments in the world of fashion, business, and entertainment. A few days ago, she had appeared at the MET Gala, wearing an outfit from the Italian luxury brand Moncler.

Aryna Sabalenka shared some photos after her elimination from the Rome Open in the quarterfinals against a surprising Zheng Qinwen, who avenged the 6 consecutive losses she had suffered in previous encounters against the Belarusian.

The world No. 1 arrived at the Italian Open on a remarkable streak after securing her second consecutive WTA 1000 title of the season at the Madrid Open last week, defeating Coco Gauff in the final. Sabalenka was in great form throughout the clay-court swing and concluded her participation in her last tournament before Roland Garros. The world No. 1 will still arrive comfortably at the top of the ranking and will likely be a major title contender, with an 11-2 record on clay courts. “Rome, I always leave with the best memories and a full stomach 😂🫶🏼🇮🇹 Thank you for all the love!” she posted.