Tsitsipas Loses US Open Second Round After Underarm Serve Clash

Stefanos Tsitsipas was eliminated in the second round of the 2025 US Open after a grueling five-set loss to Daniel Altmaier, marking the first time since 2017 he failed to reach a Grand Slam third round. The match, lasting over four hours, was marked by tension, notably when Altmaier used a legal but rarely seen underarm serve that frustrated Tsitsipas, who warned Altmaier after the match not to wonder why he was targeted. Tsitsipas, who recently reunited with his father as coach following a decline in form and ranking, expressed visible frustration and anger, including a moment during the match when he hit a ball toward Altmaier’s body and apologized afterward. Despite Altmaier’s strategic use of rhythm changes and underarm serves to exploit Tsitsipas’s emotional instability, the Greek star’s deteriorating performance and attitude raised concerns about his future competitiveness. Meanwhile, Tsitsipas’s opponent moves on to face Alex de Minaur, though questions remain about his stamina after consecutive lengthy matches. This defeat underscores the ongoing struggles Tsitsipas faces in regaining his former status among tennis’s elite.