French Open: “Not to pay with money”: Altmaier at French Open strong

Daniel Altmaier is in the round of 16 at the French Open for the second time after 2020. The 26-year-old won his third round game against the Serbs Hamad Medjedovic with 4: 6, 6: 3, 6: 3, 6: 2 in Paris and thus the first German tennis player in the Stade Roland Garros.

At temperatures of over 30 degrees, Altmaier benefited from his opponent’s health problems. After 2:48 hours, the 26-year-old made the progress perfect and then let the many German fans celebrate. His in -laws also cheered in the stands. “Share the moments with the family here is something very special. That cannot be paid for with money,” said Altmaier at Eurosport.

Already five years ago, Altmaier had reached the round of 16 at the Grand Slam tournament in Paris. At that time, the classic clay court only took place in autumn and without spectators due to the corona virus pandemic. So far, it is the greatest success of the Davis Cup professional at one of the four Grand Slam tournaments.

Now against Tiafoe or Korda

Altmaier is now playing against Frances Tiafoe or Sebastian Korda from the USA for the quarter-finals. In addition to the world ranking in third Alexander Zverev, he is fighting his third -round match against the Italian Flavio Cobolli in the early Saturday afternoon, the only remaining German player in the individual competition.

Medjedovic (21) had already treated 2-1 in a break in a break at midsummer temperatures after the game gain. The Serb obviously complained of circulatory complaints and kept supporting itself on the gang. During the breaks he buried his face in a towel.

Altmaier first from the role

In the meantime, it looked as if the Serb could no longer continue playing. Medjedovic tried to keep the rallies short and took full risk in his blows. This hopp or-top game was visibly caused by Altmaier. The German number two managed a break and dragged it to 4: 2.

But then Altmaier completely lost his rhythm and released four games in series – Medjedovic had won the first set from nowhere. “It was a bit uncomfortable,” said Altmaier about the long break. “Then the sentence went away pretty quickly and that annoyed me quite a bit.”

Then the Serb left the square to change its completely sweaty clothes. Altmaier was good for the extended break to gather. The Kempener now played calmer and got the game under control. Again he managed to break 3-2, but this time Altmaier held the lead and managed to equalize the sentence.

Altmaier continues the upswing

Medjedovic now seemed still a stricken. Altmaier uses this again for an early break and took the 2-1 set lead. The resistance of the Serbs was finally broken. Altmaier stayed calm, Medjedovic quickly took off the service again and then secured victory with the sixth match ball.

With the round of 16, Altmaier confirmed his upswing this year. German number two had already announced at the end of last year to attack this season. “My goal is to be among the players in the coming year at the Australian Open,” said Altmaier in Paris.

But he must be among the 32 best players. Due to his success in the Stade Roland Garros, he definitely jumps under the top 60. So far, his best placement was 47th in autumn 2023.