The handshake was supposed to be routine. Instead, it became the most uncomfortable moment of Stefanos Tsitsipas’ already brutal 2024-25 season. After falling to Daniel Altmaier in a crushing five-set defeat at the US Open, the Greek star couldn’t let go of one play that had him fuming: an underarm serve that crossed every line of tennis etiquette in his mind.
Why Did Stefanos Tsitsipas Confront Daniel Altmaier After Their US Open Match?
Following an underwhelming season marked by inconsistent performances and coaching changes, the US Open offered Tsitsipas a chance to reclaim his form. He began positively with a first-round win over Alexandre Mülle, but faced stiff resistance in the second round against Altmaier.
Despite leading 2-1 against the world No. 56, Tsitsipas lost momentum and eventually fell 7-6(5), 1-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. The defeat extended a season plagued by early exits, with first- and second-round losses becoming a recurring pattern.
However, the Greeks’ frustration carried over even after the match ended. Altmaier employed an underarm serve in the fourth set, much to Tsitsipas’ displeasure.
Stefanos Tsitsipas had some words with Dan Altmaier after losing to him at U.S. Open:
He’s complaining about Dan hitting an underarm serve during the 4th set.
Frosty. 🥶
pic.twitter.com/eEaPIpuApL
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 29, 2025
He raised the matter during the post-match handshake, but the interaction quickly escalated into a tense exchange. Altmaier subsequently avoided further discussion and later celebrated on court in front of the Grandstand crowd.
How Bad Has Tsitsipas’ 2024-25 Season Really Been?
Tsitsipas’ slump shows no signs of ending, as he suffered another early exit at the 2025 US Open. Throughout the 2024-25 campaign, he exited in the first round at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and fell in the second round at Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows. His triumph in Dubai was the only bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season.
The match proved controversial for Tsitsipas beyond just the post-match drama. He also received a coaching violation during his second-round clash with Altmaier. Under the updated coaching rules, players are not allowed to receive verbal guidance from their coach from opposite ends of the court.
Meanwhile, tensions flared when Tsitsipas’ father and coach, Apostolos, broke the newly implemented rule during the fourth set as Altmaier held a break. From the opposite end of the court, he was seen shouting instructions, a clear violation under the updated regulations.
Tsitsipas receives a warning for coaching as he trails Altmaier in the fourth set
byu/Large_banana_hammock intennis
Tsitsipas will now be eager to put his difficult season behind him as he looks ahead to upcoming tournaments with a 21-17 win-loss record. His ranking has tumbled, dropping out of the top 20 for the first time since 2018. Amid this rough patch, all eyes will be on whether he can stage a strong comeback.
