Atmane surrenders to Jannik Sinner: "He is from another dimension"

Terence Atmane did not look out of place in the semifinals of the 2025 Cincinnati ATP against Jannik Sinner. The Frenchman, despite his lack of experience in these matches, gave the Italian a tough time and made things quite difficult for him in the first set.

In fact, it was one of the most challenging matches of the tournament for Sinner, who only struggled more against Mannarino on his way to the final. Although Atmane was the lowest-ranked opponent, his level was much better than the year's No. 18, Auger-Aliassime, who could only win two games. Terence took Jannik to a tiebreak in the first set, only to falter in the second set against the stronger push from the world number 1.

Speaking to reporters (words collected by L’Equipe) after his defeat, Atmane reflected on what had been the best tournament of his career and talked about Jannik and what it means to play against him, comparing him to other opponents he usually faces in Challenger tournaments.

What it means to play against Jannik Sinner

From a tennis perspective, you can play against him. However, on a mental and physical level, he is at a completely different dimension. Winning a single point requires intense concentration and energy. That's what sets him apart from the rest; otherwise, he wouldn't be number 1. What he brings to the court is exceptional, but mentally and physically, he's on another level.

What he said at the net

He wished me to keep going and keep working. I told him I would do everything possible to face him as many times as I could. I will have to make an effort if I want to be among the best.

Tiebreak, how it swung in his favor on details

He was better than me from the tiebreak until the end of the match. I started off badly with a double fault. He changed his position on the return and disrupted me with my second serve. Then I missed an easy return and later a forehand. I was already down 0-3 on the scoreboard, and against this type of players, this is crucial. I let it slip in the tiebreak, and he took advantage of his chances very well. I wish him luck in the final; he deserves it.

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The gift of a Pokemon card just before the match

I went to a Pokemon convention in Toronto with Gael Monfils and thought that Sinner best symbolized Pokemon. Why not give him one for his birthday? I was happy to do it because it's my universe. It came naturally to me. I chose the card last night before going to bed.

All the money he earned in the Cincinnati tournament

Thanks to that money, I'll be able to have two or three more rare cards in my collection (laughs). The most important thing for me is to stay grounded. I will invest in my team to keep those people with me throughout the year.

Terence Atmane leaves the Cincinnati ATP with the best ranking of his career, at 69th in the rankings. Although this position would allow him direct entry into Grand Slams, it won't qualify him for the US Open since the cutoff for New York occurred weeks ago when he didn't have direct ranking.

Thus, the Frenchman will have to fight in the qualifiers to win three matches and be able to participate in this important event. We'll see if he can maintain his form this week in New York, as he will have little rest between one tournament and another. The qualifying rounds begin on Tuesday, and he must be ready for the challenge of a Grand Slam qualifier.
 

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Atmane se rinde a Jannik Sinner: "Es de otra dimensión"