Altmaier warns Sinner: "The feeling of revenge always brings out the best in me"
The German, who aims to finish the most successful year of his career with great results, talks about his upcoming clash against a Sinner whom he already defeated at Roland Garros 2023.
Daniel Altmaier is a rare bird in the current ATP circuit. One-handed backhand, chameleon-like playing style adaptable to the opponent, seeking short angles and aiming to move the opponent with heavy shots rather than attacking forcefully on the first or second ball... at 27 years old, his already extensive career in the elite might lead some to think that the best moments have already passed, but the numbers refute this assertion: 2025 is the German's most successful season, with 18 victories (so far) at the ATP level, and a return to the top 50, currently just three places away from his best historical ranking.
But Daniel Altmaier is an ambitious guy, a tremendously competitive player who relishes facing major challenges. It is hard to find a greater challenge than the one he has ahead tomorrow: in the first round of ATP Vienna 2025, against a Jannik Sinner with whom he shares a history full of magical chapters and a rivalry, despite the ranking differences, quite thrilling.
The head-to-head record is 2-1 in favor of the Italian, but it could be said that the German captured the most significant victory: an unforgettable match at Roland Garros 2023 that lasted over five hours and where he saved two match points, a match that still brings a smile to his face. "That was a great victory, no doubt. However, since then he has become a very consistent player who has dominated the circuit alongside Alcaraz. That's a fact. It's something to respect. I love to see what other players do to become such inconsistent players. I am someone who constantly analyzes his opponents and tries to take their greatest strengths and apply them to my game", states Altmaier to ATP, considering himself a student of the game, although at 27 years old, he still believes that his player identity is not yet defined.
"I think I have different playing styles that I am working on to become a better player. One of them is an aggressive version, and the other is a slightly more patient version. The mental aspect is also crucial. I have improved a lot as a player this year, both mentally and personally. I have won more matches and now I am more consistent. The next three or four months will give me the opportunity to climb even higher", proudly states the German, who has set his sights on surpassing the #47 barrier, his best ranking so far.
Facing Jannik Sinner in Vienna will be a very special match for Altmaier
The match in Paris is in the past, as Daniel rightly points out, and the most recent history takes us to the Masters 1000 in Shanghai, where Jannik outplayed the German and defeated him with a clear double 6-3. Now, Vienna offers the coveted opportunity for a rematch, a match in which Altmaier emphasizes the importance of the mental aspect after such a long season. "We are at the end of the season, so this match will be much more demanding mentally. I will sit down with my team and see what the best tactics are to start the match. As the match progresses, we will also adjust."
Beyond tactics, if there is something that ignites Altmaier's competitive spirit, it is the feeling of being able to avenge against someone as successful as Jannik. "I approach this match with a truly positive attitude. I am always someone who seeks to get revenge as soon as possible. I am the type of person who is fueled by the challenge of seeking revenge, something that always brings out the best in me. I am looking forward to this match. Moreover, there will be a large audience, many German fans here in Vienna... honestly, I am very excited," he says. Will Daniel rise again as a giant or will logic prevail? Tomorrow, we will find out.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Altmaier avisa a Sinner: "El sentimiento de revancha siempre saca lo mejor de mí"