Terence Atmane has been the outstanding storyline throughout the Cincinnati Open this year, as the most unlikely of successes that just keeps on winning.
Coming through qualifying, the Frenchman had offered no suggestion that he had such a mesmeric run within him.
However, there is seemingly no one who can stop him at present, with Flavio Cobolli, Joao Fonseca, Taylor Fritz and Holger Rune having all fallen by the wayside at his hands.
Next up is Jannik Sinner, the ultimate test for any player on the ATP Tour.
And whilst fans and the media are naturally lapping up Atmane’s shock performances, it’s worth remembering that just a few months ago he was booed off the court at the French Open by his home crowd.Â
Terence Atmane booed at the French Open
Having been handed his second-straight main draw wild card at the French Open, there was huge excitement at the prospect of what this 23-year-old might be capable of.
After all, despite having struggled on the ATP Tour, Atmane had recorded some supremely impressive victories over recent years.
This anticipation was only enhanced when he was drawn against fellow Frenchman Richard Gasquet, playing in what would end up being his last-ever Roland Garros.
It was likely the build-up, and his subsequent underperformance, that led to such a volatile reaction from the French crowd as Atmane limped to a really poor defeat.
The last set in particular saw him bagelled, with supporters furious at the manner in which he downed tools.
It seems crazy that such a performance was just three months ago, given how he has stormed through the current competition at the Cincinnati Open.
Why is Terence Atmane beating so many top players?
Although he has been around for a little while now, it only feels like now, understandably, is Atmane gaining the coverage he deserves.
After all, he is a truly fascinating individual, both on and off the court.
Boasting a really high IQ and a love for physics, he has spoken at length about the efforts he has made to improve the mental side of his game after a bout of breaking racket after racket as a youngster.
Now, he seems far calmer and cultured, and is seeing the results of his hard work.
Atmane received advice from Daniil Medvedev after they played back in 2024, which has also surely aided in his development.
Photo by Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
He is a tricky left-handed player with a fierce forehand and nothing to lose. It makes him dangerous and unpredictable, and has taken so many top players by surprise.
It will be really interesting to see how his form translates against the very best player in the world.