'Not the way I want to win': Sinner after beating compromised opponent in Beijing

Saturday, 27 September 2025 at 17:15

byErik Virostko

Jannik Sinner made it to the quarter-finals at the 2025 China Open in Beijing, but it wasn't the way he wanted to do it.

Sinner took on Terence Atmane in the second round of the ATP 500 event in Beijing. The two met already once this year, in the semi-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati. Atmane produced a great level in the first set of the match, taking it to a tie-break, but Sinner ultimately won in two sets 7-6(4), 6-2.

This time, Atmane took it a step further. He was able to win the second set of the match and force a third set. But ultimately, the Frenchman didn't have enough gas left in the tank, as he struggled with cramps in the closing stages of the match.

Speaking after the win, Sinner praised his opponent, whom he beat 6-4, 5-7, 6-0, and recognized the fact that Atmane wasn't at his best during the third set of the match.

"Yeah, it was for sure a tough match. We played each other in Cincinnati. We know a little bit what to expect. He was serving well at times. At times not so much. I was up two times to break in the second set, couldn't use it. It happens."

"But obviously happy that I went through today's challenge. Not the way you want to win the match. He struggled with some cramps in the end of the match. But generally I'm very happy again to be in the quarterfinals."

"I mean, third set can go both ways, especially with big servers. If he breaks you once early, then serves very well, so... I mean, the match is not over until it's over, you know? So he for sure carried a lot of confidence in the third set. I managed to play a great first game to break him, which then gave me the confidence to somehow manage the set."

"After the double break, it was a bit different. The atmosphere went down. Also physically a bit. Yeah, I mean, it was a very difficult challenge today."

Sinner addresses his own injury concerns in Beijing

Sinner himself appeared in an injury scare in Beijing. At one point, he fell to the ground and grabbed his ankle. However, he reassured everyone after the match that he was fine and healthy.

"No, feels good. No problems, physical problems. It's all good. Thank you."

Up next, Sinner will take on Fabian Marozsan, whom he played against in Halle last year. The Hungarian took a set off Sinner, who expects a challenging match this time as well.

"Yeah, we played in Halle the last time, some time ago, more than a year ago. But he's playing great. I saw his match today. I saw his first-round match also. His peak is very, very high. He's a big hitter. Has great touch with the ball also. So let's see."

"But I'm looking forward to it. It's kind of new challenge again, facing a very tough opponent after more than a year. Let's see what's coming. But I'm very excited."