"Money is not an accepted means of payment at the French Open, as stated by Altmaier"
In the bustling city of Paris, German tennis player Daniel Altmaier has etched his name into the annals of Roland Garros for the second time, securing a place in the round of 16 for the second consecutive year. Following his impressive performance in 2020, Altmaier triumphantly defeated Serbian Hamad Medjedovic in a hard-fought four-set encounter (4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2).
Altmaier's journey to the last 16 was aided by his opponent's health challenges as the mercury soared above 30 degrees Celsius. After a grueling match lasting 2 hours and 48 minutes, Altmaier advanced, earning the admiration of numerous German spectators, including his in-laws. On Eurosport, a visibly elated Altmaier shared his joy, stating, "Experiencing these moments with family here is truly special, and it's something that money can't buy."
Five years ago, Altmaier grabbed the attention of the tennis world by reaching the round of 16 at the Grand Slam tournament in Paris. The clay-court classic was held in the fall due to COVID-19, and the event was spectator-free. This standout achievement remains the career highlight for the Davis Cup professional at one of the four Grand Slam tournaments.
Preparing to face Frances Tiafoe from the USA on Sunday, Altmaier hopes to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Alongside Alexander Zverev, only two Germans remain in the singles competition, as both aim to make their mark in the Grand Slam scene.
Medjedovic struggled with dizziness during the first set, leading to a nearly 10-minute break. The Serbian adopted a strategy of keeping rallies brief and scored high-risk shots, causing Altmaier some difficulties. Despite dropping four consecutive games and conceding the first set, Altmaier regrouped, broke again, and managed to tie the set. After a clothing change due to excessive sweating, Altmaier took control of the match, breaking early and securing his victory with the sixth match point.
Altmaier's advanced standing at Roland Garros underscores his determination to excel this year. Known for his resilience and ability to thrive in long matches, Altmaier has now recorded five wins over Top-10 opponents, including three at Roland Garros. He aims to surpass his previous achievements by reaching a Grand Slam quarterfinal and improve his consistency on the ATP Tour, aspiring to break into the Top 50 or higher. Confident in his abilities, Altmaier stands poised to build on his success at Roland Garros and establish himself as a consistent contender at major tournaments.
Daniel Altmaier's victory over Hamad Medjedovic in the shining city of Paris marked his return to the tennis court, bringing him back to the playing field of sports, where he once made history by reaching the round of 16 at Roland Garros five years ago. With his sights set on the quarterfinals, Altmaier, a Grand Slam tournament contender, continues to excel in sports, specifically tennis.
