The fiery temper of Stefanos Tsitsipas was on full display at the US Open, but this time it was a post-match handshake that stole the headlines rather than his on-court performance. The Greek star's fourth-round exit at the hands of Germany's Daniel Altmaier was followed by a moment of pure sporting ice that has since set the tennis world abuzz.
A Dramatic Five-Set Epic
The match itself was a monumental battle. World No. 89 Altmaier, the clear underdog, clawed his way to an astonishing 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(6) victory in a gruelling four-hour contest on the intimate Court 17. The climax was a heart-stopping tie-break, leaving the crowd breathless and setting the stage for the awkward aftermath.
The Infamous Handshake
As the final point was won, Altmaier collapsed to the court in sheer elation. The customary net-side meeting, however, was anything but customary. A visibly frustrated Tsitsipas offered a cursory, limp handshake, refusing to make eye contact with his victorious opponent before swiftly gathering his belongings and departing.
The frosty exchange was captured from multiple angles and spread across social media like wildfire, with fans and pundits quick to dissect the perceived lack of sportsmanship from the No. 7 seed.
History Repeating Itself?
For many, the incident was a stark reminder of Tsitsipas's previous controversies. His matches against the likes of Nick Kyrgios and Andy Murray have often been punctuated by heated verbal exchanges and accusations of gamesmanship, particularly over his lengthy bathroom breaks.
While no words were exchanged at the net this time, the silent snub spoke volumes, adding another chapter to the complex narrative surrounding one of tennis's most talented yet divisive figures.
A Star is Born
Overshadowed by the drama was the magnificent achievement of Daniel Altmaier. The German qualifier, who battled through three preliminary rounds just to enter the main draw, produced the performance of his career to secure a maiden spot in the quarter-finals of a major tournament.
His relentless determination and powerful groundstrokes ultimately dismantled Tsitsipas's game, proving that on any given day, ranking means nothing in the cauldron of a Grand Slam.
