German out at French Open: Altmaier angry about himself, the music - and the result

German out at French Open Altmaier is angry about himself, the music - and the result 01.06.2025, 21:05

Daniel Altmaier surprised everyone at the French Open, delivering strong matches and hoping for a win against US star Frances Tiafoe in the round of 16. But after three sets, the Paris adventure was over for the German number two.

The second US star was too strong: Daniel Altmaier missed another coup at the French Open, being eliminated in the round of 16. The 26-year-old from Kempen lost to number 15 seed Frances Tiafoe 3:6, 4:6, 6:7 (4:7), thus ending his dream of reaching the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time.

Six days after the spectacular start to Altmaier's Paris adventure, when he eliminated world number four Taylor Fritz in the first round, his compatriot proved too strong for the German number two. After 2 hours, 18 minutes, the 27-year-old, who had never previously advanced beyond the third round in Paris, converted his first match point.

Altmaier can at least console himself with €265,000 in prize money after the second major round of 16 of his career, following the 2020 French Open. He will jump more than ten places in the world rankings and move back into the top 50. This leaves last year's finalist Alexander Zverev as the only and last German entering the second week. The world number three will play against Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor on Monday afternoon for a place in the quarterfinals.

Bad start

After Altmaier's exit, Mischa Zverev remains the last German to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal not named Alexander Zverev at the 2017 Australian Open. Before the Zverev era, Tommy Haas last made it to the last eight in Paris in 2013.

Tiafoe, who had failed in the first round six times in his nine previous French Open starts, started very dominant, pushing for quick winners, especially with his forehand, and repeatedly marching through to the net. He broke Altmaier's serve twice and quickly led 4-0. The German clawed back a break, but after 34 minutes, the first set was gone.

In the second set, Altmaier played much better, pushing himself loudly and creating his chances. But then, at 3-3, he conceded three break points, slammed his racket to the ground, and Tiafoe seized the opportunity to take a decisive lead. After another outburst of anger at the set loss, Altmaier collected himself once more, worked himself up, and complained to the umpire about the music selection in the stadium: "Do you want us to fall asleep?" The German was wide awake again, leading 5-2. But then Tiafoe turned things around decisively.