In a four-hour and 26-minute battle, Stefanos Tsitsipas was unable to clinch victory against Daniel Altmaier. The Greek tennis star was defeated 7–6(5), 1–6, 4–6, 6–3, 7–5, falling short at the US Open and bowing out in the second round.
It was a match marked by ups and downs for the 27-year-old. Despite hitting 72 winners, his 65 unforced errors, combined with his inability to capitalise on break points in the final set, led to a comeback from his opponent that ultimately cost him his place in the American Major.
The tie-break decided the opening set
The contest began with Daniel Altmaier serving. The German earned an early lead, breaking Tsitsipas in the Greek’s first service game (2–0). However, Tsitsipas quickly responded to level at 2–2.
From then on, both players held serve comfortably, sending the first set to a tie-break. World No.56 Altmaier gained an early mini-break (2–1) and maintained his lead, but Tsitsipas had the answers in the closing stages, eventually edging the set.
Two saved break points and a crucial break put Tsitsipas ahead
Altmaier took the initial lead in the second set (1–0) and earned a break point in Tsitsipas’ first service game. But it was the Greek who struck first, breaking his opponent in the fifth game to move ahead 3–2. He consolidated with a hold (4–2) and, showing stability on serve, closed out the set 6–4 to move in front in the match.
Missed match point and pivotal service game sealed his exit
In the deciding set, Tsitsipas served first and held comfortably, with Altmaier replying in kind (1–1). The Greek then had to fend off two break points in his next service game, which he did with relative ease to stay ahead 2–1.
Momentum seemed to be with Tsitsipas, as he created break points in almost every one of Altmaier’s service games, but the German held firm. The set progressed game by game until Tsitsipas, serving to stay in the match, found himself with a match point. Altmaier saved it brilliantly and went on to take the game.
That moment appeared to break Tsitsipas’ spirit. In his next service game, he committed several errors, surrendered the break, and eventually lost the set 7–5—suffering a dramatic five-set defeat and an early elimination from the US Open.
