Daniel Altmaier fought his way into the second round at the ATP Masters in Rome. The 24-year-old from Kempen beat local hero Giulio Zeppieri 7: 6 (7: 3), 4: 6, 6: 0 in his first round duel on Thursday and confirmed his good form.
Altmaier had recently advanced to the quarterfinals in a Masters for the first time in Madrid. A difficult task now awaits him in Rome against the American Frances Tiafoe.
Yannick Hanfmann from Karlsruhe, who was successful in qualifying like Altmaier, is still required on Thursday. The German number one Alexander Zverev only intervened in the second round of the tournament after a bye.
Warsteiner Jan-Lennard Struff, who surprised by reaching the final at the most recent tournament in Madrid, canceled his originally planned start in qualifying.
All German starters already out
In the women’s field, the German record is sobering, all three starters were eliminated in the first round. Tatjana Maria lost 4: 6, 1: 6 against Anna Bondar, Anna-Lena Friedsam despite a strong performance 6: 4, 2: 6, 6: 7 against Paula Badosa and Jule Niemeier 6: 4, 4: 6, 2: 6 against Nuria Parrizas Diaz.