"Medvedev, Tsitsipas, Ostapenko: What's fueling the US Open temper outbursts?"

Daniel Altmaier had little to add. Shortly after securing one of the most significant victories of his career, the German found himself unintentionally at the center of Stefanos Tsitsipas’s frustration during their post-match handshake. Before Tsitsipas could fully express himself, Altmaier had already moved away, choosing not to engage in any argument.

When asked about the incident, Altmaier dismissed it with a shrug: “Even if I had lost, I wouldn’t have gotten into a discussion. These things happen in the heat of the moment. You need time to settle down. We’ll see if he still feels the same way after cooling off in the gym later.”

While Altmaier remained composed under pressure, the same could not be said for many others in New York over the past week. The tournament was marked by a series of emotional outbursts. “A lot of drama,” remarked Jessica Pegula with a laugh. “I’m not sure why. My matches have been pretty calm, so I don’t really get what’s happening with everyone else. Maybe it’s just New York—it brings out strong reactions.”

Daniel Medvedev’s opening-night spectacle set the tone, as he berated the umpire before rallying the Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd into a six-minute protest during his first-round match against Benjamin Bonzi, who was at match point. Despite the theatrics sparking a comeback, Medvedev ultimately fell in a dramatic five-set battle.

Later, Jelena Ostapenko made headlines with her fiery exit following a second-round loss to Taylor Townsend. Reports suggested Ostapenko directed harsh words at Townsend, including accusations of “no education” and “no class.” Meanwhile, Tsitsipas, visibly frustrated by Altmaier’s unorthodox underarm serve, attempted to send a sharp message: “Next time, don’t wonder why I hit you, OK? No, I’m just saying if you serve underarm…” His voice trailed off, but Altmaier had already disengaged.

These incidents, among others, highlight the intensity of this stage in the tennis season. Pressure runs high, particularly toward the end of the long, demanding tour calendar. The US Open arrives at a particularly exhausting point, leaving many players fatigued and emotionally charged. The setting—New York, one of the most high-energy cities in the world—only amplifies the tension.

As Pegula noted, the passionate crowds may play a role: “The fans here are intense. They stir things up. It’s the last major of the year, and everyone is fighting hard for that final push. The stress builds, and emotions take over.”