Jannik has kept Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz behind despite missing three months of action and four Masters 1000 events. Thus, he will celebrate a notable milestone next week.

Jannik Sinner was discussing his Italian Open win over Jesper De Jong when he was asked about the new pope's love of tennis - and a potential match between the pair

Sinner was asked in his post-match news conference about the pope following his 6-4, 6-2 victory over Dutch qualifier Jesper De Jong at the Italian Open, which is being played just up the Tiber River from the Vatican.

Jannik Sinner advances to the Round of 16 of the Rome Open after defeating Jesper De Jong 6-4, 6-2. The Dutchman was hampered by an injury sustained after a fall, which ultimately led to his retirement in the second set.

World no. 1 faced a lucky loser, de Jong, in the third round and earned a 6-4, 6-2 victory in an hour and 33 minutes. While advancing in straight sets, Jannik reflected on a dip in the opener when he lost serve two times in a row.

Carlos Alcaraz was made to work for a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 victory over Karen Khachanov that earned him a spot in the Italian Open quarterfinals.