Stefanos Tsitsipas confronts opponent about underhand serve in tense US Open moment
Share and Follow

The US Open is turning into WWE where there’s plenty of action even after the match is over.

A new wave of post-match drama ensued around midnight when Stefanos Tsitsipas criticized Daniel Altmaier for utilizing an underhand serve after being defeated by him in the second round of the U.S. Open.

“Next time, don’t wonder why I hit you, OK? No, I’m just saying if you serve underarm,” remarked Tsitsipas as the pair exchanged handshakes, a moment caught by a hot mic.

The Greek athlete then added, “If you serve underarm,” to which Altmaier seemed to reply, saying “too late” while giving Tsitsipas a pat on the shoulder, trying to put some space between them.

Tsitsipas again said, “If you serve underarm” to his German foe, walking toward him after Altmaier had already started to move away.

Altmaier had enough at this point, hand waving him before going to shake hands with the umpires.

Boos began raining down at this point, but they changed to cheers after Altmaier raised his hands triumphantly while he walked back onto the court.

“You knew that was going to happen,” the television broadcaster said. “There was going to be something between these two…”

Tsitsipas’ point of contention is that Altmaier used an underhand serve a few times, which Reuters describes as a “legal but rarely used underarm serve.”

His line to Altmaier about wondering why he hit him indicated that he may have tried to peg him with the ball during the match, according to The Guardian.

Altmaier used the controversial underhand tactic as part of a rally to win in five sets, 7-6(5), 1-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, in a match that lasted four hours and 26 minutes in Flushing Meadows, per Reuters.

The World No. 56, said he does not enjoy such post-match interactions, with Jelena Otapensko giving Taylor Townsend an earful earlier in the tournament in a similar situation.

“I know that sometimes in the heat of the moment you can say stuff which you don’t normally would like to say,” Altmaier said, per Bounces. “You regret afterwards. So I think that we all know the discussions at the nets, I’m not a fan of it.

“Even if I would have lost, I would not enter discussions because it’s just like heat of the moment. You need to cool down. Let’s see if he reacts to it or he sticks to his opinion. Which is, for me, it’s fine. Like, I think I know what I did and that’s it. It’s part of the game.”

Altmaier’s win put him in the third round of this tournament for the first time in his career, and he will face eighth-seeded Alex de Minaur on Saturday.

“It’s difficult to describe right away how you feel,” Altmaier said on the court after the win. “A big relief, honestly. … I left my heart out here and I hope you enjoyed it.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Furious Joy Reid goes scorched earth against JD Vance

Outraged Joy Reid Launches Full-Scale Attack on JD Vance

Joy Reid has unleashed a fiery response to JD Vance after the…
Inside the mystery of salon kidnapping that turned deadly

The Enigma of a Fatal Salon Abduction

More than two decades have passed since the puzzling death of Susan…
RFK Jr.'s MAHA movement focuses on animal welfare

RFK Jr.’s MAHA Initiative Prioritizes Animal Well-Being

() Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America…
Trump aloof as lawmakers fear protracted shutdown

Trump Remains Distant Amidst Lawmakers’ Concerns Over Extended Shutdown

President Trump, whom Democrats say is the only Republican leader who can…
Vikings' Jordan Addison catches game-winning TD after first-quarter benching

Vikings’ Jordan Addison Redeems Himself with Game-Winning Touchdown Following Early Benching

Jordan Addison went from the doghouse to the end zone during Sunday’s…
Trump sending 300 California National Guard troops to Oregon: Newsom

Trump Deploys 300 California National Guard Troops to Oregon, Says Newsom

() California Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Sunday, President Trump is sending…
5 issues to watch as Supreme Court kicks off new term

5 Key Topics to Monitor as the Supreme Court Begins Its New Session

Presidential powers, LGBTQ rights and the role of race in elections are…
Chicago police ordered not to respond after car-ramming attack on federal agents: sources

Chicago police ordered not to respond after car-ramming attack on federal agents: sources

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! An internal dispatch revealed…