Jannik Sinner has once again proven his mettle on the tennis court, emerging victorious from a grueling encounter against French qualifier Terence Atmane at the China Open in Beijing. Following a disappointing loss to Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open, Sinner faced an unexpected challenge that tested not only his skills but also his resolve. Despite being the favorite, the four-time major champion found himself pushed to his limits, showcasing a blend of determination and tactical evolution that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
After clinching the first set 6-4, Sinner encountered a fierce response from Atmane, who displayed remarkable resilience by breaking Sinner late in the second set to take it 7-5. This unexpected twist forced a deciding third set, creating a palpable tension on Diamond Court. Ultimately, Sinner’s superior fitness and quality shone through, allowing him to dominate the final set 6-0 as Atmane visibly struggled with cramps.
In his post-match reflections, Sinner candidly acknowledged the challenge posed by Atmane, stating, “Not many. That’s for sure,” when asked about players of Atmane’s caliber. He praised the Frenchman’s unique style and noted his significant improvement since their previous encounter in Cincinnati, where Sinner had easily triumphed. This time, the match unfolded quite differently, with Atmane’s aggressive play threatening to hand Sinner only his sixth defeat of the season.
Sinner’s resilience was on full display as he battled through a tense match that lasted two hours and 22 minutes. After facing a tight second set, he expressed the emotional toll of the match, admitting, “Today he struggled a bit in the 3rd with some cramps. [But] It was a tricky, tricky 2nd round match.” He revealed his own nerves and the challenge of capitalizing on opportunities during the second set, stating, “I was up twice a break in the 2nd, couldn’t use it… I felt a bit of nerves today.”
The match featured an electrifying sequence of play, highlighted by 16 consecutive points won against serve, a rarity in the high-stakes atmosphere of the tournament. This intense back-and-forth showcased both players’ determination and skill, culminating in Atmane’s solid serve that briefly broke the streak and allowed him to snatch a set from Sinner, making him one of the few to achieve such a feat in 2025.
Sinner’s post-match comments revealed his strategic mindset as he seeks to adapt and diversify his game. He mentioned experimenting with serve-and-volley tactics and incorporating varied shots to enhance his unpredictability on the court. “I tried some serve and volleys. At times it worked really well, sometimes not,” he reflected, underscoring his commitment to growth and improvement even in the face of adversity.
Now, with his hard-fought victory behind him, Sinner gears up for the quarterfinals of the China Open, set to face Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan. As he prepares to build on this momentum, fans and analysts alike are left wondering: will Sinner’s adjustments yield success against another formidable opponent, or will he face yet another tough test on his path to glory? The excitement surrounding his next match continues to grow as the tennis world eagerly awaits his performance.
