Cincinnati (AFP) – French qualifier Terence Atmane said his Saturday Cincinnati Open semi-final against world number one Jannik Sinner will remain his brightest tennis memory despite absorbing a 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 loss to the defending champion. The 23-year-old, who credits mental training with helping him evolve from a racquet-smashing Tour wild child to a serious contender, defines himself as something of a tennis Renaissance man, with a multitude of interests off the court.
“I’m a tennis player, but I also collect Pokemon cards and always look for good coffee places on the tour,” he said. “I love Japanese culture and food. I have three cats waiting for me at home in France. I like space, the universe, and this world that we live in.”
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While he donned a local Cincinnati Reds baseball cap after wins over top 10 opponents Taylor Fritz and Holger Rune this week, Atmane said he won’t have time to take up an invitation from some fans to attend a game. “I have to get to New York as soon as possible,” he said post-match.
The number 136, who will rise inside the top 70 after this event, called his showing “absolutely insane.” “I can’t believe I played the semi-finals here,” he said. “Today will be a good memory for me which I will remember for a long time.”
Atmane recounts how a change earlier this season also meant a change in his previously suspect attitude. “I’m still the same guy I was, but one who is different mentally. I’ve worked a lot to stabilise myself, trying to make my mental stronger than my emotions. I think that is the key for me to reach a higher level.”
The Frenchman presented Sinner with a Pokemon card from his collection of the Japanese trading cards as a 24th birthday present before their match. “I had to give Jannik something; it’s his birthday,” he said. “I had brought some from France. I’m a collector – it was the perfect gift.”
Atmane then put up a poised fight in the opening set before Sinner pulled away in the second for victory. “He was just better than me,” Atmane said. “He took all the responsibility in the second set and he was able to play his game. If it’s the world number one, then it’s over already. I fought hard to hold my serve in the first set, but after seven matches, my body was tired.”
© 2024 AFP
