On August 17, 2025, Jannik Sinner celebrated his 24th birthday in emphatic style by ending the spectacular run of French qualifier Terence Atmane in the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Open. With a commanding 7–6(4), 6–2 victory, the top-seeded defending champion secured his place in the final. There, he’ll face his fierce rival Carlos Alcaraz in what promises to be another electrifying chapter in their ongoing rivalry.
A Dream Run Snapped
For most players, reaching a Masters 1000 semi-final is a career highlight. But for World No. 136 Atmane, it was reality. As a qualifier, he stunned the tennis world by defeating top-10 players Taylor Fritz and Holger Rune, showcasing an aggressive style and mental composure far beyond his ranking.
Reflecting on his performance, Atmane called the week “absolutely crazy, insane. I still cannot believe that I made the semi-finals here.” He noted that the match against Sinner, while ending his run, would remain “a very good memory” he will cherish.
Sinner’s Stellar Display
Sinner proved why he is the world No. 1, delivering a masterclass in serving and composure. He won 91% of his first-serve points, did not face a single break point, and sealed the match in 86 minutes. The first set was a tightly fought battle that went to a tiebreak, where Atmane’s double fault on the opening point proved costly. In the second set, Sinner asserted dominance—starting with a nine-minute service hold, then breaking twice to seal the win.
Adding another milestone, this match marked Sinner’s 200th tour-level hard-court win. The victory also extended his staggering 26-match winning streak on hard courts, firmly establishing his supremacy on the surface this season.
Sinner, visibly moved by the support of the crowd who serenaded him with “Happy Birthday”, described the encounter as “a very, very tough challenge,” especially against a player as unknown yet deserving as Atmane.
A Heartfelt Gesture
In a touching pre-match moment, Atmane presented Sinner with a Pokémon card backstage—a light-hearted gesture that captured the warmth and camaraderie of sport, even in fierce competition. The card, featuring Pikachu and a self-damaging move, left Sinner amused and appreciative.
Alcaraz Survives to Set Up Rivalry Rematch
Meanwhile, in the other semi-final, Carlos Alcaraz dispatched a physically struggling Alexander Zverev, winning 6–4, 6–3, with the match briefly interrupted by a medical emergency in the crowd.
Alcaraz’s win sets the stage for yet another final against Sinner—this time in Cincinnati. The two have already met in two Grand Slam finals this year: the French Open, which Alcaraz won in epic fashion, and Wimbledon, where Sinner emerged victorious. Their head-to-head stands at 8–5 in favor of Alcaraz.
What Lies Ahead
On Monday, fans will witness yet another clash between two of the most exciting talents in tennis. With Sinner riding a wave of momentum on hard courts and Alcaraz eager to avenge his Wimbledon loss, the final promises fireworks. For Sinner, a win would mean defending his Cincinnati crown and further eroding Alcaraz’s lead in the ATP Race to Turin. For Alcaraz, it’s another opportunity to assert his dominance in 2025.
In summary, Sinner’s triumph over Atmane was both a professional masterclass and a personal celebration—wrapping up his birthday with achievement and overcoming one of the storylines of the tournament. Now, only one challenger stands between him and another Cincinnati title: once again, his greatest rival, Carlos Alcaraz.
