Jannik Sinner, the world number 1, defeated Térence Atmane 2-0, with scores of 7/6(4) and 6/2, in the Cincinnati Open semifinal on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the P&G Center Court in the United States. The match, lasting about 1 hour and 40 minutes, showcased the Italian’s dominance on hard courts, where he maintains a 26-match winning streak. Atmane, the tournament’s surprise, couldn’t withstand Sinner’s consistency, who now advances to the Masters 1000 final, a key event leading up to the US Open. The match highlighted Sinner’s serving efficiency and Atmane’s struggle to convert break point opportunities, despite a competitive first set. The victory strengthens Sinner’s favoritism for the year’s final Grand Slam and his pursuit of a second Cincinnati title.
The match began evenly, with both players holding serve without major issues. Atmane, ranked 136th, showed confidence after defeating players like Taylor Fritz and Holger Rune, but faced an impeccable opponent in baseline rallies. The first set tiebreak was pivotal, with Sinner capitalizing on an Atmane error to close 7/6(4). In the second set, the Italian raised his level, broke the Frenchman’s serve, and dominated with precise winners.
- Key first set moments: Sinner won 91% of first-serve points.
- Tiebreak highlight: An unforced error by Atmane paved the way for Sinner’s win.
- Second set: Sinner converted 2 of 5 break points, while Atmane had no break chances.
Jannik Sinner will defend his title in Cincinnati! pic.twitter.com/5mofbFcS8G
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 16, 2025
The Italian, the defending champion, displayed physical and mental readiness to handle the pressure from an up-and-coming opponent. Atmane, meanwhile, exits Cincinnati with the best performance of his career, projected to enter the ATP top 70.
Sinner’s flawless performance
Sinner took the court with the confidence of being unbeaten on hard courts since October 2024. His performance against Atmane was another display of consistency. With 6 aces and 91% first-serve point efficiency, the Italian controlled critical moments. He won 68 total points against Atmane’s 50 and scored 19 points on the Frenchman’s serve, showing return effectiveness. The match also highlighted his composure in key moments, like the first-set tiebreak.
The world number 1, already qualified for the ATP Finals, used the Cincinnati Open to solidify his US Open preparation. His 26-match hard court winning streak places him alongside legends like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
- 78% of points won on first serve.
- Only 5 unforced errors in the second set.
- 7 direct winners, compared to Atmane’s 5.
- 2 service breaks in the second set.
Térence Atmane’s meteoric rise
Térence Atmane, 23, reached the semifinal as the tournament’s biggest surprise. Coming from the qualifying rounds, the Frenchman defeated notable players like João Fonseca, Flavio Cobolli, Taylor Fritz, and Holger Rune. Despite the loss to Sinner, his Cincinnati campaign marks a turning point in his career. Before the tournament, Atmane had only 5 ATP main draw wins. Now, with the semifinal, he is set to climb 67 spots in the rankings, projected to reach 69th.
The Frenchman displayed an aggressive style with powerful serves and baseline shots but struggled against Sinner’s consistency. His confidence was evident in pre-match statements, where he expressed belief in defeating the world number 1.
- Notable wins: Taylor Fritz (world No. 4) and Holger Rune (No. 9).
- Ranking projection: From 136th to top 70.
- Prize money: Atmane secured over double his previous career earnings.
- Playing style: Strong serves and aggressive baseline shots.
Path to the semifinal
Sinner reached the semifinal without dropping a set, defeating Daniel Elahi Galan (6-1, 6-1), Adrian Mannarino (6-4, 7-6), and Felix Auger-Aliassime (6-0, 6-2). His fastest win was against Galan, in just 59 minutes. Against Atmane, the Italian faced a tougher first set but accelerated at the right moment.
Atmane, meanwhile, stunned from the qualifying rounds. He defeated Flavio Cobolli, João Fonseca, Taylor Fritz, and Holger Rune, with his win over Rune (6-2, 6-3) in just 1 hour and 13 minutes standing out. His campaign is among the most impressive for a qualifier in a Masters 1000 in recent years.
- Sinner’s campaign: 3 wins without losing a set, averaging 8 aces per match.
- Atmane’s campaign: 5 wins, including 2 against top 10 players.
- Atmane’s average match duration: 1 hour 20 minutes, with the Rune match being notably quick.
US Open preparation
The Cincinnati Open, played on hard courts, serves as a gauge for the US Open, starting soon. Sinner, the reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champion, reinforces his favoritism with his Cincinnati performance. His hard court consistency, paired with precise serving and returns, makes him a top contender in New York.
Atmane, despite the loss, leaves stronger. His performance against top players shows he could be a threat in Grand Slam main draws. The Frenchman now focuses on maintaining his form for the US Open, where he is expected to enter the main draw directly.
- Sinner at the US Open: 2024 finalist, chasing his first title.
- Atmane at the US Open: Likely to debut in the top 100.
- Cincinnati as preparation: Fast courts favor players like Sinner.
What to expect in the final
Sinner awaits the winner of the Alexander Zverev vs. Carlos Alcaraz match for the Cincinnati Open final, scheduled for Monday. The Italian leads the head-to-head against both but faces a tough challenge if Alcaraz, world number 2, advances. The final could be a defining moment in the ATP rankings race, with Sinner and Alcaraz separated by few points.
Sinner’s Cincinnati campaign highlights his growth since 2022, when he lost to Auger-Aliassime in the same tournament. Now, as world number 1, he shows total control on hard courts, with a 50% break point conversion rate in the event.
- Potential opponents: Zverev (3 wins in 5 matches against Sinner) or Alcaraz (4 wins in 7).
- Rankings battle: Sinner could solidify his number 1 spot with the title.
- Cincinnati history: Sinner is the defending champion, aiming for a second title.
Impact on rankings and career
Sinner’s victory strengthens his position as ATP world number 1, while Atmane makes a significant leap. The Frenchman, starting the tournament at 136th, now enters the top 70, with potential for further climbs if he maintains his level. His campaign also secures a record prize money, exceeding double his prior career earnings.
For Sinner, the Cincinnati final is a chance to claim his fifth Masters 1000 title. He has won 20 ATP tournaments, including two Grand Slams, and aims to cement his dominance in 2025.
- Atmane’s leap: From 136th to 69th in the rankings.
- Sinner’s prize money: Already secured over $1 million in Cincinnati.
- Sinner’s titles: 20 in his career, including 4 Masters 1000.
- Atmane’s projection: Direct entry into Grand Slam main draws.
