Daniel Altmaier pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2025 US Open, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in a grueling five-set marathon that lasted 4 hours and 21 minutes. The German qualifier prevailed 7:6, 1:6, 4:6, 6:3, 7:5 to advance to the third round in New York.
"It's hard to describe my feelings. It's a huge relief. I just told myself to leave all my energy and heart here. I hope you enjoyed it," Altmaier told the crowd during his on-court interview as "Daniel, Daniel" chants echoed around the Grandstand.
The match ended with unexpected drama when Tsitsipas, clearly frustrated about an underhand serve Altmaier had deployed in the fourth set, attempted to confront the German during their handshake at the net. Altmaier quickly shut down the conversation and celebrated with the appreciative crowd instead, leaving the Greek star fuming.
Social media immediately sided with Altmaier, praising his composure while criticizing Tsitsipas for his unsportsmanlike behavior as a sore loser.
The 27-year-old German had already shown his fighting spirit in the first round, overcoming Serbian player Medjedović in another five-set battle. But this victory required even more resilience.
Tsitsipas, a former top-10 player, appeared to have the match under control multiple times. The Greek led two sets to one and even secured a break advantage in the fourth set before Altmaier mounted his comeback.
Even in the deciding set, Tsitsipas looked fresher and created break point opportunities in four consecutive Altmaier service games but couldn't convert any of them. The drama peaked when Altmaier saved a match point at 4-5 before seizing his own opportunity moments later.
The German ended the contest with a perfectly executed backhand volley, collapsing to the ground in disbelief after completing one of the biggest wins of his career.
Can Altmaier continue this fairytale run in New York? With his newfound crowd support and fighting spirit, he's certainly becoming one of the tournament's most compelling stories.
