Sinner Stops Atmane’s Fairytale Run, Sets Up Cincinnati Final With Alcaraz

Sinner Ends Atmane’s Dream Run, Sets Cincinnati Final Showdown With Alcaraz.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner celebrated his 24th birthday with a commanding 7-6(4), 6-2 win over French qualifier Terence Atmane on Saturday, booking his place in the Cincinnati Open final. Sinner, the defending champion, was untouchable on serve — winning 91% of first-serve points and not facing a single break point — before wrapping up victory in 86 minutes. The Italian edged a tense first set in a tiebreak and then pulled away with two breaks in the second.

Atmane, ranked 136, exits after a breakthrough week that included upset wins over Taylor Fritz and Holger Rune to reach his first Masters 1000 semifinal. In the other semi, second seed Carlos Alcaraz eased past Alexander Zverev 6-4, 6-3, despite a brief delay when a spectator required medical attention. The Spaniard overcame a shaky service game with four double faults but regained control to close out the win.

The result sets up a blockbuster final between the sport’s two biggest rising stars. Sinner and Alcaraz, who contested the French Open and Wimbledon finals earlier this year, will now renew their rivalry in Cincinnati.