Sinner reaches Cincinnati semis after dominant win

Sinner credits a focused warm-up and routine for his Cincinnati Open win over Felix Auger-Aliassime, setting up a semifinal with Atmane.

Sinner capitalizes on focus to dismantle Auger-Aliassime in Cincinnati

Jannik Sinner moved into the Cincinnati Open semifinals with a commanding 6-0 6-2 victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime. The world No. 1 extended his hard-court winning streak to 25, a mark that places him among a small group of players to reach a quarter-century on this surface since 2000. Sinner credited a sharper warm-up and morning focus as key factors in the comfortable win.

In the semifinals, Sinner will meet Terence Atmane, a 136th-ranked qualifier who upset Fritz and Rune to reach the last four. Atmane has never faced Sinner, adding a fresh challenge for the top seed as the Cincinnati event continues to spotlight rising talents that can reshape the rankings.

Two things stand out from Sinner’s performance. First, the link between a precise pre-match routine and on-court control appears strong, suggesting his team’s stability is a real edge in big moments. Second, the sport’s younger wave is not just about potential; a bold, unconventional run by a qualifier like Atmane can tilt the balance in late rounds. The match-up itself tests Sinner’s adaptation against an opponent the world hasn’t seen him play before.

Looking ahead, Atmane’s ascent adds texture to the tournament’s narrative. If the French qualifier can keep upsetting seeds, the Cincinnati run could foreshadow broader shifts in the rankings and in who is considered a threat on hard courts. For Sinner, staying grounded, maintaining routine, and guarding against complacency will matter as the stakes rise.

Highlights

The Cincinnati run hints at how far Sinner can push his game on fast surfaces.