Stefanos Tsitsipas and Dan Altmaier had a heated moment following their dramatic second-round clash at the US Open. After a grueling five-set battle that lasted over four hours, Altmaier emerged victorious with a 7-6 (5), 1-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win. But it wasn’t just the scoreline that drew attention—it was the post-match interaction between the two players.
The underarm serve sparks controversy
During the fourth set, Altmaier surprised Tsitsipas with an underarm serve, a tactic that has become increasingly common in modern tennis but still divides opinion. Tsitsipas appeared visibly irritated by the move and confronted Altmaier at the net after the match. The Greek player reportedly said, “Next time don’t wonder why I hit you,” suggesting that he viewed the serve as disrespectful or provocative.
Altmaier’s reaction and crowd response
Altmaier, taken aback by the comment, stepped away and refused further engagement. He chose instead to celebrate his hard-fought victory with the crowd, acknowledging their support after a match filled with momentum swings and emotional intensity. The audience, while surprised by the exchange, applauded Altmaier’s composure and resilience.
Tsitsipas under pressure
For Tsitsipas, the loss marked another frustrating moment in a season filled with ups and downs. Known for his fiery temperament and competitive spirit, he has occasionally struggled to contain his emotions in high-stakes matches. The incident with Altmaier adds to a growing list of tense encounters, raising questions about his ability to manage pressure on the biggest stages.
Looking ahead
As the tournament progresses, both players will carry the weight of this encounter with them. Altmaier moves on to the third round with renewed confidence, while Tsitsipas faces reflection and recalibration. The drama of their match serves as a reminder of how psychological battles can be just as fierce as physical ones in the world of elite tennis.
Altmaier at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2025
Currently the world no.56, Daniel owns a 28-28 win-loss record in 2025. Altmaier is competing at the U.S. Open where he defeated the world no.57 Hamad Medjedovic 7-5 6-7(3) 7-6(7) 6-7(5) 6-4 and the world no.28 Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6(5) 1-6 4-6 6-3 7-5.
Daniel Altmaier will fight against the world no.8 Alex De Minaur in the 3rd round. Their actual record is 1-0 for De Minaur.