Before stepping onto the court for his semifinal clash with Terence Atmane, Jannik Sinner found himself in a very different kind of spotlight at the Cincinnati Masters. The world No. 1, usually known for his laser focus and ruthless shot-making, melted hearts when he spent time playing with an adorable puppy that was up for adoption.

Unless you’re a tennis die-hard, you probably didn’t know much about Terence Atmane before this week. The 23-year-old Frenchman is ranked as the World No. 136 and has played just 14 matches on the ATP Tour in the last calendar year.

Jannik Sinner has reached the final of the Cincinnati Masters for the second consecutive time. On Saturday (August 16), he knocked out Terence Atmane 7-6(4), 6-2 to book a spot in a final for the fifth time this season.

French qualifier Terence Atmane said his Saturday Cincinnati Open semifinal against world No 1 Jannik Sinner will remain his brightest tennis memory despite absorbing a 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 loss to the defending champion.

Terence spoke about Jannik and dropped an ultimate praise, calling him the most incredible player we have seen in our lifetime! Regardless of their ranking, Atmane will try to impose his tennis and provide a stunner.

Jannik Sinner was subjected to an unusual chant from the Cincinnati Open crowd before his match against Terence Atmane. The young Italian was pitted against his French rival in the semi-finals, having won all of his previous matches without dropping a set.