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Jannik Sinner’s journey at the 2025 Cincinnati Open took an unusual yet heartwarming turn when the crowd surprised him with an impromptu chant before his semi-final showdown against French talent Terence Atmane.
The Italian star, who has been in red-hot form throughout the tournament without dropping a single set, stepped onto the practice courts hours before his highly anticipated clash. Surrounded by fans eager to catch a glimpse of the reigning US Open champion, Sinner went through his final preparations with his team.
A birthday celebration on the practice courts
As Jannik Sinner wrapped up his training session and began packing his gear, spectators broke into a spirited chorus of Happy Birthday, celebrating his 24th birthday. The moment, rare for a tennis event, visibly touched the world No. 1 contender, who acknowledged the crowd with a smile and a quick wave before heading back to the locker room.
The gesture added a personal layer to what was already shaping up to be a high-stakes encounter for the Italian, who is not only chasing silverware in Cincinnati but also looking to build momentum for the upcoming US Open, where he will defend his crown.
Terence Atmane heaps praise on Sinner
His opponent, Terence Atmane, shared his admiration for Jannik Sinner ahead of their match, speaking glowingly about the Italian’s impact on the sport.
“I don’t want to predict anything because I think Jannik is the most incredible player that we have pretty much ever seen in our entire lifetimes,” Atmane told Tennis Channel. “It’s going to be very interesting to be able to play someone like him, someone that is bringing crazy things to the tennis world. It’s going to be a new challenge for me. I will just try to do my things once again, it doesn’t matter the ranking. Yeah, it’s going to be a very good one and I’m very happy and very proud to be able to share the court with Jannik.”
Jannik Sinner’s unique look turns heads
In addition to his dominant on-court performances, Sinner has also caught attention for a subtle style shift at the Cincinnati Open. He has been sporting an arm sleeve throughout the tournament, but clarified that it serves a functional purpose rather than being a fashion statement—suggesting a focus on performance and recovery during a grueling season.
As Jannik Sinner steps onto the court against Atmane, he does so with the backing of fans, the goodwill of a birthday celebration, and the confidence of a flawless run in Cincinnati so far. With the US Open around the corner, every match serves as crucial preparation for the Italian to defend his Grand Slam title and further solidify his standing among tennis’ modern greats.
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