New Delhi: Daniel Altmaier produced one of the early shocks of the US Open as he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in a late-night battle on the Grandstand. The German edged past the 26th seed 7-6(5), 1-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 after more than four hours of swinging momentum and high drama. Tsitsipas looked set to scrape through when he held match point at 5-4 in the decider, but Altmaier held his nerve and turned the match on its head.
Altmaier had also survived a five-set fight in the opening round against Hamad Medjedovic and showed no fear in crunch moments. The 25-year-old mixed in bold serve-and-volley tactics 28 times during the contest, with 14 of those coming in the deciding set, unsettling the Greek and keeping himself in front-foot mode.
After sealing victory, Altmaier admitted the win was about leaving everything on court. “It’s a big relief,” he said. “I was a break down in the fourth and from that point on I just told myself to give all my energy. After another five-setter in the first round, I left my heart out here.”
Daniel Altmaier prevails in a dramatic five sets over Stefanos Tsitsipas! pic.twitter.com/bMJXsLZXJQ
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 29, 2025
He will next face Alex de Minaur, who defeated Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki in straight sets to advance. De Minaur made just 23 unforced errors on his way to a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 victory.
Meanwhile, the struggle continues for Tsitsipas on the biggest stage. Once a finalist at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros, he has now failed to reach the third round in his last six Grand Slam tournaments. For a player of his calibre, this trend raises growing concerns about his form.
Zverev advances to third round
Alexander Zverev continued his winning streak as he booked a place in the third round. The German dispatched Jacob Fearnley 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in just two hours and 28 minutes. Zverev is aiming to finally lift the crown this time, having come closest in 2020 when he finished runner-up.
The 28-year-old will next meet Félix Auger-Aliassime, whom he has beaten six times in eight previous encounters. The Canadian overcame Roman Safiullin 6-1, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) to win consecutive matches at a major for the first time since reaching the fourth round at Roland Garros last year.