For clear reasons, Terence Atmane is a name on the lips of many tennis aficionados. Another dominating performance in the recent China Open, even making a champion like Jannik Sinner admit, “How many players are there like Terence Atmane? Not many. That’s for sure!” is a nod for the 23-year-old. That makes one think about who Atmane’s idol must be, which fuels his ability to deliver such performances. And we bet that the answer from the Frenchman will send you into disbelief!

Forget the names from the worlds of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. The current 61st-ranked world star player has a rather interesting choice: Fernando Gonzalez. Yes, the Chilean star, former world number 5, whose blistering forehand remains iconic for the fans and Terence Atmane.

“It might seem like a coincidence that he was my favorite player, but when I was a kid, I loved watching him play. He brought so much explosiveness every time he played; his forehand was always impressive. I really liked that and tried to emulate him a little when I was younger. Even today, I still watch his matches whenever I have a free moment,” said the Frenchman in an ATP website interview.

Terence Atmane has quite a choice, and we bet some fans would also love to agree. Notably, Fernando Gonzalez was no less than a winner, having reached the quarterfinal stage at all four Grand Slam tournaments. But no one can forget his most significant moment at the 2007 Australian Open, where he fell in the final to top seed Roger Federer.

Even in the Olympic history books, Gonzalez has successfully etched his name by becoming the fourth man to collect tennis medals of every color. Aside from winning gold in doubles and bronze in singles at Athens 2004, the former right-handed tennis star also bagged a silver medal in singles at Beijing 2008.

Not to mention, Gonzalez has had the joy of taking down some of the game’s very best. Forget beating Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi, and Roger Federer. At the same time, each was ranked world No. 1. He also defeated other top names such as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Moya, Pete Sampras, Andy Roddick, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Gustavo Kuerten, Marat Safin, and Andy Murray with his magical forehand and fascinating defensive play.

So it’s only natural for someone like Terence Atmane to consider Fernando Gonzalez his idol. Then again, one certainly hopes it ends up helping in his upcoming battles, no matter how much he manages to impress.

Terence Atmane is winning yet losing!

Yes, winning the hearts of many, but eventually losing on the court. Sure, his Cincinnati run shocked the tennis world, mainly since he had managed just one tour-level victory in 2025 before storming into the Round of 16 at the Masters 1000 event on a five-match streak. Along the way, he stunned world No. 4 Taylor Fritz with a gritty 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 win, marking the highlight of a breakthrough stretch. But all came to an end in the semi-final clash.

Even after that, his fight showed in Beijing, where he nearly toppled Jannik Sinner at the China Open. Despite Sinner being the heavy favorite, Atmane took the second set 7-5 after dropping the first 4-6, forcing a deciding set in front of a packed Diamond Court. But cramps caught up with him, and Sinner’s class and stamina carried the day, sealing a 6-4, 5-7, 6-0 win.

“The game style he plays is unique. He’s also a lefty. Great, great player. He’s improved a lot since Cincinnati… I felt a bit of nerves today…,” imagine these words coming out of someone like Sinner. Boy, does Terence Atmane hold enough potential to become a great deal than many expect him to.

Before Cincinnati, Atmane carried only a 5-14 ATP record, with his best result being a third-round appearance at the 2024 Italian Open. On the Grand Slam stage, he had featured in three main draws but never advanced past the opening round, bowing out early at the Australian Open 2024 and the French Open in back-to-back years.

The fresh challenge now sees him face Argentinian Ugo Carabelli this week in the first round of the much-anticipated Shanghai Masters. Let’s see how he can showcase his tremendous form.