"The simple act of winning a point requires incredibly intense energy," says Atmane about Sinner

The challenge proved too steep for Terence Atmane. Despite a high-quality match, particularly in the first set where he pushed his opponent to a tiebreak without conceding a single break point, the Frenchman ultimately fell to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner (7-6, 6-2).

In the press conference, the French player reflected on his match against the Italian, which concluded an exceptional run that began in the qualifying rounds and ended just shy of the final in this Cincinnati Masters 1000 tournament.

"Just winning a single point demands intense concentration and energy. I think that’s what sets him apart from other players—otherwise, he wouldn’t be world No. 1. Tennis-wise, what he brings is already exceptional.

But what he brings mentally and physically is on another level. He wished me well, told me to keep the momentum going and to keep working. I told him I’d do everything I can to face him as many times as possible in my career. It’ll take hard work to reach the level of the best.

He was better than me from the tiebreak onward until the end of the match. I didn’t start well with a double fault. He adjusted his return position, which threw me off on my second serve, sending it long. I missed a return that was within my range, then a forehand.

Suddenly, it’s 3-0, and against a player like that, there’s no room for mistakes. I let him pull away in the tiebreak, and he knew how to capitalize on the opportunities. In the second set, there’s nothing to say—he was better than me. Credit to him, and good luck in the final—he deserves it," Atmane concluded.