Altmaier Aims to Shake Up Sinner in Shanghai: ‘I Believe I’m a Threat to the Elite’
German talent prepares for his third tour-level encounter with Sinner this Saturday.
October 04, 2025
Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images
Daniel Altmaier ventures into Shanghai, aiming to climb nearer to his career-high No. 47 in the PIF ATP Rankings.
By ATP Staff
Daniel Altmaier has become known as a fierce competitor, boasting a skill set capable of turning the tide.
This Saturday, he’ll put his upset potential to the test against the defending Rolex Shanghai Masters champion, Jannik Sinner.
In their last showdown at Roland Garros in 2023, Altmaier stunned the Italian, and just a year prior, he pushed him to five thrilling sets at the US Open. For the determined German, these aren’t mere surprises—they’re the foundation of his game.
“I genuinely believe I can compete against anyone on Tour. That’s why I consider myself a threat to the top players,” Altmaier, currently ranked No. 49 in the PIF ATP Rankings, shared with ATPTour.com in Shanghai. “I’ve honed my tactics to identify and exploit the weaknesses of the best. Constantly adapting is vital, and that’s what the sport is all about.”
His 2025 statistics back his assertions: He achieved an impressive victory over Taylor Fritz in the opening round of Roland Garros—marking his fifth win against a Top 10 player—and secured a dramatic five-set win over former World No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas at the US Open.
Now, with Sinner stepping onto the court as the reigning champion in Shanghai, Altmaier is poised for another potential upset.
“I thrive on these challenges; they fuel my passion for the game,” Altmaier remarked, noting his 1-1 record with Sinner in their Lexus ATP Head2Head contests. “This year, I’ve had some spectacular matches. Players like Taylor Fritz and Denis Shapovalov are at the top of their game. I’m looking forward to an exhilarating showdown.”
A significant part of Altmaier’s threat is his one-handed backhand—a shot that’s both dynamic and nuanced. To unsettle Sinner, he’ll need every bit of that unpredictable flair. His powerful down-the-line backhand makes it a risky endeavor for Sinner to position too much court space in search of inside-out forehands.
“Sinner has the skill to adapt his game, and I prioritize that in my own play,” Altmaier analyzed. “I’m continually refining my backhand’s diversity. I have options: a slice, a flat backhand, and topspin variations, allowing me to switch directions. One-handed backhands often come with more creative potential than two-handers.”
After overcoming qualifier Tristan Schoolkate in his Shanghai opener, Altmaier now holds a 17-23 record in 2025, per the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. It’s a promising recovery just weeks after battling a leg injury that led him to withdraw from a third-round match against Alex de Minaur in New York.
“Tokyo marked my return after the injury following the US Open, and I’m thrilled to have secured a two-set victory here while playing well,” Altmaier expressed. “I’m proud of the consistency I’ve demonstrated lately. This season has presented numerous challenges, and I’m learning invaluable lessons that are key to my career growth.”
