Altmaier had never played an Australian Open, and had only made the main draw of one Grand Slam tournament - the round of sixteen at Roland Garros in 2020. There he won through qualifying, then beat Tiafoe, Struff and Berrettini.
Zverev made the AO quarters last year and the semis in 2020.
The two Germans had never met in an ATP tournament before.
Zverev served first. The first two games went with serve without trouble, but Zverev was twice taken to deuce in game three, Altmaier using his variety to trouble the number three seed. Zverev held for 2-1.
Altmaier went to deuce in the next game, but no trips there for awhile. Zverev led 4-3.
At 4-4 and 15-30, Zverev pulled out some crucial serves; plus his forehand helped him out of danger and to within a game of the set.
Some sloppy Altmaier backhands and a powerful Zverev forehand gave the #3 seed set point. Saved after a long rally.
A lucky net cord and Zverev had another set point. Also saved, with a big serve. Third chance created with an excellent return. Saved by the serve again. Service hold and 5-5.
6-6 and a tie break.
Zverev was stronger when it mattered in the tie break. An ace at 5-2 gave him four set points. A great forehand from Altmaier saved one. Zverev won the set with a forehand winner. 7-6(3).
Three errors and a double fault saw Altmaier drop serve in the opening game of set two. Zverev consolidated with ease.
Zverev was hitting with more freedom, and causing frustration for Altmaier who faced two more break points. He salvaged the situation temporarily to deuce, but another backhand mistake gave Zverev another opportunity. The double break came, Zverev ahead 3-0.
Serving to stay in the set, Altmaier was broken again, and Zverev led 7-6(3) 6-1.
Altmaier broke Zverev in the fifth game of set three, then saved a break point in the following game. He led 4-2.
From 0-40 in the eighth game, Altmaier saved three break points. Zverev broke back with his fourth chance, but mainly due to his opponents mistakes.
The third seed then moved to 5-4, clinching the game with an ace.
Altmaier served to stay alive. Backhand and forehand misses had him down 15-30, but he won the remaining points to level at 5-5.
A big serving love game from Zverev had him close to the finish line 6-5.
Altmaier serving again to stay in it. Double fault and backhand error - 0-30. Zverev backhand winner. Three match points. Three saved.
A fourth match point arrived. Also saved.
Tie break.
Zverev with the first mini break, then another, led 5-1. A backhand overhead volley winner from Zverev gave him five match points.
He won it when Altmaier hit the net with a backhand.
7-6(3) 6-1 7-6(1)
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