Stefanos Tsitsipas’ elimination from the US Open 2025 in New York on Thursday, August 28, added another chapter to the Greek tennis star’s ongoing struggles. In an epic 4-hour, 26-minute match, the world No. 28 lost to Germany’s Daniel Altmaier, ranked 56th, in a five-set battle with scores of 7/6(5), 1/6, 4/6, 6/3, and 7/5. The second-round clash ended with tension at the net when Tsitsipas criticized Altmaier’s use of an underhand serve, saying, “Next time, don’t complain if I hit you.” The heated exchange, met with boos from the crowd, underscored Ascot, reflects Tsitsipas’ frustration in his worst Grand Slam season since 2017, failing to reach the third round in any of the four majors this year. The defeat highlights Tsitsipas’ struggle to regain form, while Altmaier celebrates his first third-round appearance at the US Open.
The match was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. Tsitsipas, who squandered a match point in the fifth set, dominated the second and third sets but faltered under Altmaier’s resilience. The German’s underhand serve in the fourth set rattled Tsitsipas, who responded by hitting a shot directly at Altmaier’s body during the match, drawing crowd disapproval.
- Match lasted 4 hours and 26 minutes across five sets.
- Tsitsipas hit 16 aces and won 84% of first-serve points.
- Altmaier broke Tsitsipas’ serve at a crucial moment in the fifth set.
- Crowd booed the post-match confrontation at the net.
Reaction to the underhand serve
The underhand serve, while legal and increasingly common on the ATP tour, sparked Tsitsipas’ frustration. Used by Altmaier to disrupt the Greek’s rhythm in the fourth set, the tactic is a bold strategy that carries high risk but can unsettle opponents. Tsitsipas’ direct shot at Altmaier’s body as he approached the net, followed by a half-hearted apology gesture, fueled the post-match tension. Altmaier, speaking to Sky Sports, downplayed the incident, suggesting Tsitsipas might regret his words and noting such moments are part of high-stakes tennis.
The underhand serve is not new to the sport. Players like Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Bublik have popularized it to throw off opponents in critical moments. For Altmaier, it proved effective in breaking Tsitsipas’ momentum, reigniting debates about sportsmanship and the acceptance of unconventional tactics in professional tennis.
Tsitsipas’ 2025 struggles
The 2025 season has been a nightmare for Stefanos Tsitsipas. He hasn’t won consecutive matches since the Barcelona Open in April, slipping to 28th in the ATP rankings. Despite a solid first-round win over Alexandre Müller, his loss to Altmaier underscores a year of inconsistency. Tsitsipas has failed to advance past the second round in any Grand Slam this season.
- First round: beat Alexandre Müller in four sets.
- Last consecutive wins: Barcelona Open, April 2025.
- Current ranking: 28th, down from a career-high of No. 3.
- 2025 Grand Slams: exited in first or second rounds.
Off the court, Tsitsipas has faced challenges too. He recently parted ways with coach Goran Ivanisevic and reinstated his father, Apostolos Tsitsipas, as his trainer. During the Altmaier match, Apostolos received a rare coaching violation in the fourth set, adding pressure to an already frustrated Tsitsipas.
Altmaier shines in New York
Daniel Altmaier, at 26, is hitting a career peak. His first third-round appearance at the US Open follows a grueling five-hour win over Hamad Medjedovic in the first round. The German now faces No. 8 seed Alex de Minaur in a tougher test. Altmaier’s victory over Tsitsipas relied on a strong baseline game, 24 aces, and a critical break in the fifth set.
- Altmaier won 81% of first-serve points.
- Broke Tsitsipas’ serve at a pivotal fifth-set moment.
- First third-round appearance at the US Open.
- Next opponent: Alex de Minaur.
History of US Open drama
The Tsitsipas-Altmaier clash wasn’t the only tense moment at the 2025 US Open. The women’s draw saw friction between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko, signaling a tournament full of rivalries. The US Open’s electric atmosphere and demanding crowd often amplify players’ emotions, leading to memorable flare-ups like Tsitsipas’.
In 2019, Nick Kyrgios stirred controversy with provocative tactics, including underhand serves. Tsitsipas’ reaction reignites discussions about how players handle strategies that challenge tennis conventions.
Ranking impact and Tsitsipas’ future
Tsitsipas’ early US Open exit will hit his ranking hard. With no points to defend, he risks slipping further from the top 30, threatening his chances at events like the ATP Finals. The confrontation with Altmaier may also dent his reputation among fans and sponsors. To reclaim his form, seen in Grand Slam finals like the Australian Open and Roland Garros, Tsitsipas must address mental and tactical shortcomings.
- Won 21 of 39 matches in 2025.
- Last Grand Slam final: Roland Garros, 2021.
- Likely to drop beyond top 30 in ATP rankings.
- Upcoming tournaments: ATP 250 and Masters 1000 in Asia.
Altmaier’s next steps
For Altmaier, beating Tsitsipas is a career-defining moment. With only third-round appearances at Roland Garros before, he now has a chance to shine against de Minaur. His composure under pressure, evident in brushing off Tsitsipas’ remarks, will be key in New York.
The US Open 2025 continues to deliver surprises and high-stakes drama. Altmaier’s rise contrasts with Tsitsipas’ struggles, as the spotlight remains on players balancing skill, strategy, and emotional control at Flushing Meadows.