The absolutely bizarre occurrence which took place during Jannik Sinner’s latest match in China against Terence Atmane

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Jannik Sinner and Terence Atmane’s China Open second-round match was entertaining from start to finish.

The four-time major champion was heavily favored before the match began, but was made to work hard for his place in the third round of the China Open.

Atmane played some incredible tennis to stay in the match after losing the first set 4-6, pushing Sinner all the way.

Breaking late in the second to clinch the set 7-5, Atmane forced a decider on Beijing’s Diamond Court.

Eventually, the quality and fitness of Sinner shone through, securing the win 6-4, 5-7, 6-0 as his opponent struggled with cramp during the latter stages of the match.

The match was undoubtedly the best of the tournament so far, and will be well remembered for the strange occurrence that took place during the second set.

16 consecutive points were won against serve during Jannik Sinner vs Terence Atmane

As the second set developed, both Sinner and Atmane stepped up on their return games.

Remarkably, 16 consecutive points were won against serve, as the pair were broken to love twice in a row each.

It seemed like the trend would continue until the French qualifier fired two aces in quick succession to move 30-0 up in his service game.

Managing to hold his serve, Atmane took a set off Sinner, becoming just the ninth player to do so in 2025.

Not used to suffering setbacks, Sinner was left suitably impressed by Atmane’s performance.

Jannik Sinner says there aren’t many players like Terence Atmane

During his post-match interview, Sinner was asked how many players there are like Atmane.

“Not many. That’s for sure,” he said.

“The game style he plays is unique. He’s also a lefty. Great, great player. He’s improved a lot since Cincinnati.”

The pair met in the Cincinnati Open semifinals earlier this year, where Sinner won in straight sets, 7-6, 6-2.

Facing off for a second time, Atmane caused Sinner some real problems before cramps took over.

“Today he struggled a bit in the third with some cramps,” said Sinner.

“It was a tricky, tricky second-round match. I was twice up a break in the second, but couldn’t use it. This is sport. It happens.

“Maybe the concentration went a bit down sometimes. I felt a bit nervous today. It’s normal. I’m happy to be in the next round again.”

After Sinner lost the US Open final to Carlos Alcaraz earlier this month, he outlined his intentions to make changes to his game in a bid to turn the tide in his rivalry with the Spaniard.

The world number two claimed he would even be okay with losing matches in the short term if it helped him develop his game.

Sinner certainly added some variety to his tennis against Atmane, deploying the drop shot, slice, and serve and volley throughout the match.

Asked about those changes after the match, Sinner had this to say.

“I put in some serve and volleys. At times it worked very well, sometimes not,” he said.

“I also sometimes have to find the right shot to do it. Sometimes I don’t wait for the right one.

“But the more things I’m trying to add now, hopefully more positives will come in a couple of months or so.

“I’m trying to win as many matches as possible. Being in the quarterfinals again means a lot to me. So let’s see what’s coming next round. I’m looking forward to it.”

Sinner will look to take another positive step forward when he takes on Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan in the quarterfinals of the 2025 China Open on Monday, September 29.