Tsitsipas wants to hit Altmaier for his on-court tactics after shock US Open exit

Stefanos Tsitsipas vented out his frustration on Thursday night, confronting Daniel Altmaier during their post-match handshake over what he saw as questionable on-court tactics. The Greek star bowed out of the US Open in a grueling five-set battle, falling 7-6(5), 1-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in four hours and 26 minutes. The loss marks Tsitsipas’ earliest exit in a Grand Slam season since 2017, with the former world No. 3 failing to reach the third round at any major this year. Altmaier’s use of the underarm serve - legal but rarely deployed - was a particular flashpoint that visibly irritated Tsitsipas.


"Next time, don't wonder why I hit you, okay? No, I'm just saying if you serve underarm ... if you serve underarm," Tsitsipas remarked to Altmaier, suggesting that he had deliberately directed shots toward the German’s body during the match.


The New York crowd voiced its displeasure with boos as World No. 56 Altmaier raised his hand and walked away, avoiding further exchange with Tsitsipas.

The Greek, a former finalist at both the Australian and French Opens, has been attempting to halt his slump by parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic and reinstating his father Apostolos as coach last month. However, results have yet to improve.

Tsitsipas has not managed consecutive victories since the Barcelona Open in April and has slipped to 28th in the rankings, marking one of the most difficult stretches of his career.

IS UNDER-ARM SERVE LEGAL IN GRAND SLAMS?

The underarm serve is legal in Grand Slams and all professional tennis matches. The ITF rule No. 16 (Service) states that the ball must be struck before it hits the ground and the server’s feet must remain behind the baseline at the moment of contact. There is no requirement that the serve must be hit overhead, making the underarm serve a valid tactic, though it is rarely used at the elite level.

WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME UNDER-ARM SERVE USED IN GRAND SLAM?

The underarm serve was first famously used by American Michael Chang, who was struggling with cramps, during his fourth round match against Ivan Lendl at the 1989 French Open.