Sinner Cards Final Spot

World No. 1's birthday win in Cincinnati over Atmane comes with a Pokemon collectible

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CINCINNATI - Frenchman Terence Atmane made sure Jannik Sinner had a 24th birthday to remember, gifting the world No. 1 a Pokemon card before going on to lose their semi-final meeting at the Cincinnati Open on Aug 16.

The Italian top seed and defending champion ended qualifier Atmane's run at the Masters 1000 event with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 win.

Before the match, the pair were seen talking to each other in the tunnel leading onto centre court, where Atmane handed over the collectible based on the hit Japanese video game series and TV show.

"It's his birthday today, so I had to give him a little something," the 23-year-old told reporters.

"I was thinking last night about what I should give to him. I was like, 'I think I still have some Pokemon cards that I brought from France. Why not give him just a Pokemon card?' I'm a Pokemon card collector. I think this is the perfect gift.

"If that was my birthday, I would be so happy that someone gave me a Pokemon card."

Sinner, who was also serenaded with Happy Birthday by the crowd, was grateful and slightly bemused by the gift.