Tsitsipas Beats Altmaier to Reach French Open 3rd Round

Former runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas navigated a challenging mid-match wobble to secure a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(2), 6-4 victory over Germany’s Daniel Altmaier on Wednesday, advancing to the French Open third round. Tsitsipas, seeded ninth, has been in impressive form, winning at Monte Carlo and reaching the final in Barcelona earlier this year. Clay courts are his favored surface, making him one of the prominent title contenders in this tournament.

The match began with Tsitsipas in dominant form. He effortlessly clinched the first two sets in under an hour, showcasing his powerful forehand and strong baseline play. The Greek player, who was a French Open finalist in 2021, seemed to be on a straightforward path to victory. His opponent, Daniel Altmaier, ranked 83rd in the world, struggled to keep up with the relentless pace and precision of Tsitsipas’ shots.

However, the match took a turn in the third set. Altmaier, who had endured a grueling five-set match in the first round, found a new level of aggression and determination. His improved play saw him dominate the tiebreak, reducing the deficit and reigniting the contest. Tsitsipas admitted to battling his own emotions and concentration during this phase, a challenge familiar to many athletes. “Fighting yourself. This is something that will happen during a match. You have to fight your emotions and feelings,” Tsitsipas reflected. “The biggest war you have is with yourself. You have to figure that out and get it out of the way. I was down in the score. I didn’t give up. I’ve had plenty of comebacks in the past and I’ve learned from those.”

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The fourth set continued to be a battle. Altmaier secured his first break of Tsitsipas’ serve, moving ahead 4-3 when the Greek missed a backhand smash, causing a roar of triumph from Altmaier. The tension was palpable, with Altmaier’s fists pumping in celebration. Yet, Tsitsipas quickly regained his composure. He broke back immediately and managed to close out the match on Altmaier’s serve, demonstrating his resilience and experience.

This victory marks another milestone for Tsitsipas, who has consistently performed well on clay. Reflecting on his journey and the match, Tsitsipas said, “I remember those [comebacks] and they inspired me to get back into the score and be the type of player I’m looking to be when things aren’t working out so well.”

Key match statistics underscore the competitiveness of the encounter. While Tsitsipas dominated the first two sets, Altmaier’s ability to push the match into a fourth set highlighted his fighting spirit. Tsitsipas’ win sets up a third-round clash against either Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego or Zhang Zhizhen of China. Both potential opponents bring their unique challenges, but Tsitsipas’ current form and confidence on clay suggest he will be well-prepared.

In the broader context of the tournament, Tsitsipas’ performance reinforces his status as a serious contender. His journey through the draw will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, especially given his past success at Roland Garros and his recent victories on clay.

As the French Open progresses, Tsitsipas will look to build on this hard-fought win. His ability to overcome a mid-match slump and recover his focus bodes well for his chances in the latter stages of the tournament. Each match provides an opportunity for growth and learning, and Tsitsipas’ reflections on his mental battles indicate a player who is not only physically but also psychologically prepared for the challenges ahead.

In summary, Stefanos Tsitsipas’ victory over Daniel Altmaier in the French Open’s second round was a testament to his skill, resilience, and mental fortitude. As he advances to the next round, his focus will be on maintaining his strong form and continuing his quest for a maiden Grand Slam title on the Parisian clay.