From dark horses to a favorite, can Sinner derail the Atmane train? The top seed looks to be in peak form as he shifts from testing outlier challengers to facing a hot new threat.
After a pair of ordinary showings against Gabriel Diallo and Adrian Mannarino, Jannik Sinner rediscovered his elite level in a dominant performance against Felix Auger-Aliassime on Thursday. He dismantled the former Top Tenner 6-0, 6-2, and kept the Canadian from registering a single winner for the opening 40 minutes.
Sinner didn’t shy away from acknowledging where his game is right now. “I returned very, very well,” he said. “My serve was great. I raised my level, which I was looking for.”
The comment that may prove most telling, though, came from Auger-Aliassime, who noted ahead of the match that Sinner, who just won Wimbledon, is essentially unbeatable at the moment. The question now is whether Atmane, who has never faced Sinner, can summon the same ultra-aggressive style and total conviction with his forehand and attacking game plan to trouble the world No. 1.
If Atmane can pull that off, he could keep the match closer, but the odds still tilt toward Sinner. Atmane’s forehand is excellent, and his left-handed variation provides a tricky spin, giving him something to work with. However, his backhand—especially on return—would be the area opponents will target. Expect Sinner to test that backhand with his slice serve from both the deuce and ad courts, and to dictate rallies by moving the Frenchman around and chasing down more of his forehands. The Atmane run has been entertaining to watch, but this matchup may mark the end of the line. Winner: Sinner
What this means moving forward: Sinner’s current form reinforces his status as one of the leading contenders capable of extending his momentum after Wimbledon. If he can continue serving at a high level and mix in the aggressive game plans that have worked against top opponents, he’ll remain a tough out for anyone, including Atmane. For fans, it’s a clear sign that Sinner’s confidence and execution are peaking at the right time, setting up what could be an exciting stretch of matches as the season progresses.
Summary: Sinner’s bounce-back performance against Auger-Aliassime confirms his readiness to handle fresh challenges. Atmane brings a bold, left-handed attack, but Sinner’s serving and consistency appear well-equipped to handle the test. If Sinner maintains this level, he remains the favorite to advance and keep his surge going. A hopeful note for supporters is that Sinner’s form suggests he’s not just winning, but doing so with clear, decisive dominance.