Térence Atmane walked off the courtroom on the 2025 Cincinnati Open semifinals with one thing most gamers by no means expertise: the sensation that every part had modified. For a qualifier who had by no means confronted Jannik Sinner earlier than, reaching the ultimate 4 at an ATP Masters 1000 event represented greater than only a profession milestone.
What Did Térence Atmane Say After Shedding to Jannik Sinner?
Following his 7-6(4), 6-2 defeat to prime seed Sinner within the semifinals, Atmane took to social media to share his feelings concerning the week that remodeled his profession. Somewhat than dwelling on the loss, the Frenchman expressed pure gratitude for the expertise.
“Essentially the most lovely week of my life !! ❤️ – Thanks everybody for the unimaginable help I’ve acquired from the primary to the final level of this event. You guys have been AWESOME,” Atmane wrote in his Instagram publish, which included a sequence of photos from his Cincinnati expertise.
Atmane additionally mirrored on how the week had strengthened his perception in prospects, writing, “Now it’s time for me to maintain working onerous day after day if I wanna turn into someday a prime participant. Nothing is inconceivable and this week will certainly change my life endlessly. – Thanks Cincinnati, see you subsequent 12 months !! 👽🫶🏼.”
Regardless of the semifinal loss, Atmane confirmed great class in defeat, congratulating World No. 1 Sinner on his victory and even wishing him a contented birthday, because the Italian celebrated his twenty fourth birthday on August 16.
“Congratulations and glad birthday @janniksin 🙏❤️,” Atmane wrote in his Instagram story. “I gave my all at present nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient towards a real 👽,” he continued. “Grateful to be right here,” Atmane added.
Atmane’s path to the semifinals started within the qualifying rounds, the place he defeated Omar Jasika and Li Tu to safe his spot in the primary draw of the ATP Masters 1000 hard-court event in Ohio.
As soon as in the primary draw, the Frenchman put collectively a surprising sequence of victories, defeating Yoshihito Nishioka earlier than taking down fifteenth seed Flavio Cobolli. From there, Atmane continued his giant-killing run by beating João Fonseca after which stunning fourth seed Taylor Fritz. His semifinal berth was secured with a victory over seventh seed Holger Rune.
This outstanding run made Atmane the primary qualifier to achieve the Cincinnati Open semifinals since Alexandr Dolgopolov completed the feat in 2015.
Who Will Sinner Face within the Cincinnati Open Closing?
In the meantime, Sinner’s title protection on the 2025 Cincinnati Open continues with a closing showdown towards Carlos Alcaraz. The Italian started his marketing campaign within the second spherical after receiving a first-round bye, systematically working by way of the draw by defeating qualifier Daniel Elahi Galán, thirtieth seed Gabriel Diallo, qualifier Adrian Mannarino, Félix Auger-Aliassime, and at last Atmane.
Alcaraz, seeded second, additionally began his event within the second spherical following a first-round bye. The Spaniard defeated Damir Džumhur, adopted by straight-set victories over Hamad Medjedovic and fortunate loser Luca Nardi.
RELATED: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jannik Sinner Preview: Head-to-Head and Prediction for 2025 Cincinnati Open Closing
The Spaniard then battled by way of more durable assessments to achieve the ultimate. Within the quarterfinals, Alcaraz overcame ninth seed Andrey Rublev with a 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 victory earlier than securing his place within the closing by defeating third seed Alexander Zverev.
Sinner and Alcaraz have confronted one another 13 instances on the ATP Tour, with the Spaniard holding an 8-5 benefit of their head-to-head. Their most up-to-date encounter befell within the closing of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, the place Sinner received 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, claiming his first London Main title and his fourth Grand Slam title total.
