Jannik Sinner's comments to opponent immediately after match revealed by rival

Terence Atmane believes that Jannik Sinner's mental fortitude is what separates him from other tennis superstars, with the Italian encouraging him to maintain his career trajectory in return. The French tennisstar went head-to-head with the Wimbledon championat the Cincinnati Open over the weekend, battling for a spot in the final.

Sinner, who was recently left off a list of 'nice players' on the tour, demonstrated his quality as he demolished Atmane in straight sets, 7-6, 6-2. The 23-year-old was left stunned by the Italian's dominance on court, insisting that competing at the elite level demands a "new dimension" of physical and mental stamina.

Chatting toL'Equipe following the clash, Atmane disclosed what Sinner told him during a private exchange at the end of the match.

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"He wished me well, to keep up the momentum, to keep working," he said. "I told him I'll do my best to play him as many times as possible in my career. I'll have to work hard to be at the level of the best."

Atmane proceeded to praise Sinner's relentless intensity on court, noting that the tennis star's work ethic is extraordinary, reports the Express.

When quizzed about facing the Wimbledon champion, he said: "Tennis-wise, it's still doable. Then, physically and mentally, it takes on a whole new dimension. Simply winning a point requires intense concentration and energy.

"I think that's what sets him apart from other players; otherwise, he wouldn't be world number one. Tennis-wise, what he offers is already exceptional. But what he offers mentally and physically is another dimension.

"He was better than me from the tiebreak onwards until the end of the match. I didn't start very well with a double fault. He changed his position on the return and it destabilised me on my second, which went long. I missed a return that was within my reach. Then a forehand.

"And it was 3-0, and against that kind of player, you can't miss opportunities. I let him get away in the tiebreak and he knew how to seize his opportunities. In the second set, there's nothing to say, he was better than me."

In an unusual twist, the pair swapped Pokemon cards as gifts before the semi-final kicked off. Atmane revealed that the decision to gift Sinner a card came "naturally".

When asked about the unique exchange, he explained: "I did a Pokémon opening in Toronto with Gaël Monfils and I got a really nice Pikachu. I thought it best symbolised Pokémon, so why not give him a card for his birthday?

"I'm happy to give it to him because it's my world, so why not share it with Jannik? It came naturally. I chose the card last night (Friday night) before going to bed. I thought I'd give it to him before the match and wish him good luck in the semi-finals."

Sinner is set to face his long-time rival Carlos Alcaraz in the Cincinnati Open final on Monday night, marking the last preparation before the US Open begins on August 24.

However, the Italian will start with a mixed doubles match partnering with Katerina Siniakova, against confirmed opponents Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic, which will begin on August 19.