In a disappointing first-round exit at the ATP Italian Open, Daniel Altmaier faced a tough challenge against Francisco Comesana on May 7, 2025. The match, held at the iconic Foro Italico in Rome, ended with Comesana defeating Altmaier decisively, showcasing a strong performance that left the German player searching for answers.
Altmaier, ranked No. 71 in the world, struggled to find his rhythm throughout the match. The 26-year-old Kempener had a particularly rough start, dropping the first set 6-1 in just 28 minutes. His frustration was palpable as he slammed his racket onto the ground after losing his second service game without scoring a point. “I just couldn’t find my game today,” Altmaier lamented post-match. “Everything I tried just didn’t work out.”
On the other hand, Comesana, who is currently ranked No. 63, displayed a commanding presence on the court. The Argentinian player, known for his resilience on clay, took advantage of Altmaier's shaky start. After winning the first set convincingly, Comesana faced a stiffer challenge in the second set. Altmaier managed to hold serve for much of the set, but ultimately, he faltered at a critical moment, allowing Comesana to break serve and secure a 7-5 victory in the second set.
“I’m really pleased with how I played today,” Comesana said after the match. “I knew Daniel was a tough opponent, but I focused on my game plan and it paid off.” This victory marks Comesana's ninth win on clay this year, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor on this surface. Notably, he previously defeated World No. 2 Alexander Zverev at the Rio Open, reaching the semifinals of that tournament.
The match was a part of the ATP Masters 1000 event, which features some of the top players in the world. Comesana’s next challenge will be against No. 9 seed Holger Rune, who is expected to pose a significant challenge. The upcoming match promises to be exciting as Comesana seeks to advance further in the tournament.
For Altmaier, this loss is particularly concerning as it follows a recent first-round exit in Madrid, marking two consecutive disappointments. With the French Open approaching on May 25, Altmaier faces a critical period to regain his form and confidence. “I need to regroup and focus on my training,” he stated. “The French Open is just around the corner, and I want to be ready.”
The ATP Italian Open continues to be a stage for emerging talents and seasoned players alike, with numerous matches scheduled throughout the week. As the tournament progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters and potential upsets.
In the broader context of the tournament, the ATP Italian Open is known for its challenging clay courts and has historically been a pivotal event in the lead-up to the French Open. Players often use this tournament to fine-tune their skills and strategies on clay, making it a crucial part of the ATP calendar.
As the dust settles on this first round, Altmaier's early exit serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of tennis, where even the most promising players can face unexpected hurdles. The focus now shifts to the remaining matches, with fans eagerly anticipating who will emerge victorious as the tournament unfolds.
