11:47
Zeppieri – Altmaier 2: 3
Altmaier acts with high body tension here and is actually on the best way to keep the game. But then he has to start again due to a weak volley. That was unnecessary.
11:46
Zeppieri – Altmaier 2: 3
At the decisive moment, Altmaier puts a shovel on the serve and can fend off both breakballs!
11:45
Zeppieri – Altmaier 2: 3
The next backhand error gives Zeppieri two break chances. Altmaier felt sure of the point and therefore leaned back a little.
11:42
Zeppieri – Altmaier 2: 3
One forehand and one backhand error. In his own service game, Altmaier quickly falls behind at 0:30. It’s just lack of focus.
11:41
Zeppieri – Altmaier 2: 3
With a nice stop, Zeppieri decides the service game relatively quickly. But nothing has happened yet, Altmaier continues to lead with a break.
11:40 a.m
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:3
The Italian has the preliminary decision on the racket, but puts the forehand winner too far into the completely open right corner! This is a gift for Altmaier.
11:38
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:3
Giulio Zeppieri is having serious problems with his first serve, so it’s straight to the debut again.
11:36
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:3
A return error by the Italian ultimately gave Altmaier the game. That was quite a tough affair – four games have only been played once and half an hour has already passed.
11:34
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:2
Altmaier takes a risk and puts the Cross on the right sideline. But then luck isn’t on his side, a net roller rolls back into his half. It starts again.
11:33
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:2
Altmaier’s volley turns away from the field, so he can avert the rebreak for the time being.
11:32
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:2
Next forehand error from Altmaier. Zeppieri wants the direct rebreak.
11:30
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:2
Who would have thought that this game would still be so competitive. After two tight serves, Altmaier plays cleverly against the running direction. But Zeppieri can guess the second ball and brings the passing shot. Next debut.
11:29
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:2
That is impossible! Altmaier makes a few mistakes in concentration and actually gives up the clear lead. It’s getting started.
11:27
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:2
Despite the headband, the German has probably got some sweat in his eyes and asks for a short break. Nevertheless, he keeps track and also brings through the next first serve. 40:0!
11:24
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:2
A few spectators are just starting to show up, so Game Four is being delayed a bit. Daniel Altmaier still keeps his concentration and gets through the first serve right away.
11:24
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:2
And now the Roman’s volley falls short. This is the early break for Altmaier!
11:23
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:1
The Italian now makes a forehand mistake and gives Altmaier the next break chance.
11:23
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:1
Zeppieri fends off the break with another precise volley.
11:22
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:1
Nevertheless, Altmaier now has the first break chance in the match!
11:20
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:1
In fact, Altmaier is now increasingly incorporating the backhand slice into his game, but the final crossball falls short. He gambled away a 30-0 lead.
11:19
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:1
Nice backhand slice from Altmaier, which Zeppieri can only maneuver into the net. He should try that more often.
11:18
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:1
Altmaier gives up three points, but in the end he benefits from a net roller and keeps the service game.
11:17
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:0
Both players cheekily move towards the net again and again, so there is an interesting exchange of blows in the initial phase.
11:16
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:0
Altmeier counters and puts the ball just behind the net! Zeppieri dives in vain after.
11:14
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:0
Zeppieri puts in the stop again, this time from close to the baseline. These soulful balls are definitely one of the Italian’s weapons.
11:12
Zeppieri – Altmaier 1:0
It’s a promising start for Daniel Altmaier, whose high level of self-confidence is definitely noticeable. In a rally over 27 strokes, however, he is at a disadvantage because he serves the ball to his opponent with a high ball to stop it. Zeppieri keeps the service game.
11:11
Zeppieri – Altmaier 0:0
Then Zeppieri hits two hard serves and turns the service game.
11:09 a.m
Zeppieri – Altmaier 0:0
If that works out? The spectators are very close to the field here. Altmaier immediately found the rally and forced Zeppieri to make a return error, he threw the ball towards the audience.
11:05
Zeppieri wins the coin toss
Now the time has come, the players enter the field. Daniel Altmaier has to put up with a few boos before the duel against the local heroes. He also has to take the first defeat, because Zeppieri wins the coin toss and decides to serve.
11:02
22 degrees in Rome
While it rains in large parts of Germany, the sun easily comes through in Rome. The ranks are filling up slowly, but nothing can be seen from the protagonists yet.
10:48
One of the most beautiful courts in Europe
The game will be played at the Stadio Pietrangeli. Actually only the third place in Rome, he is perhaps even the most popular among the top stars. The former Main Court is embedded in a square with ancient statues. “I was so happy to hear that I’m playing on the Pietrangeli – for me it’s the most beautiful place of all tournaments in Europe. The atmosphere and mood is very special – the people are so close!” Simona once enthused Halep.
10:40 a.m
First match between Altmaier and Zeppieri
Altmaier and Zeppieri have never met before. The 21-year-old Roman is left-handed and plays a two-handed backhand. You shouldn’t underestimate the Italian – even if he doesn’t have any great successes in his CV yet, he was able to win 18 matches in 2023.
10:35
Altmaier also sovereign in the qualification
Altmaier was able to confirm his good form in the qualification, defeating Jozef Kovalík and Elias Ymer in two sets. He didn’t give up a game at all against Ymer in the second set. Giulio Zeppieri has not yet played a match in Rome, he is entering the main draw with a wildcard.
10:29
New career high for Altmaier?
At the beginning of the year, Daniel Altmaier was still in danger of falling out of the top 100. Now he could set a new career high with a good result in Rome. His highest placing so far was 53rd place exactly a year ago, but thanks to the great run in Madrid he’s already up to 65th place. With Giulio Zeppieri he meets the world number 120 today.
10:25
Good morning!
Even if Alexander Zverev is still not in top form – German tennis is currently experiencing a boom. The reason for this is Daniel Altmaier and Jan-Lennard Struff, who made it to the final rounds in Madrid as lucky losers. For Altmaier it was only in the quarter-finals against Borna Ćorić in the Spanish capital that the native of North Rhine-Westphalia would like to go as far in Rome. Opponent in the first round is local hero Giulio Zeppieri. It starts here at 11 a.m.