Altmaier Masters Galan At Sarasota Open Final

By Scoop Malinowski

A German and a Colombian met at high noon on Sunday to determine the 2023 champion of the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open ATP Challenger.

Daniel Elahi Galan, the 26 year old ranked 92 in the world, was the defending champion and rolled into the final without losing a set all week but he was familiar with this dangerous German adversary because they have played three times previously. Galan won their first meeting in Santiago, Chile in March 2021 76 36 75 but then the 24 year old ranked 113 has won the following two consecutive clashes – June 2021 in Lyon 64 36 76 and 2022 in Heilbronn, Germany 63 26 64.

In a curious quirk, today’s fourth match between Galan and Altmaier was on clay, just like all of the previous three duels.

Before a full house Nick Bollettieri Stadium, on a perfect, sunny Spring afternoon, both players were in top form and of equal physical size, the one difference is Galan uses a two-handed backhand, Altmaier, just the one-hander. As the hard hitting rallies escalated, another difference emerged – Galan has a more casual, laid-back court demeanor. He almost seems to muffle or mute his fist pumps which are directed to his father/coach, after winning more important points. Altmaier is far more vocal and expressive with his intensity, suggesting his burning desire and hunger to win this ATP Challenger title is stronger.

Altmaier took command early but Galan broke back and into a first set tiebreaker the two combatants went to settle the deadlock. And it was the German who dominated the mini battle 7-1, fueled by his greater desire, boldness and emotional adrenaline.

This pattern of alpha and beta player transferred to the second set where Altmaier again dominated 6-1.

After the important championship victory, Altmaier shook hands with Galan respectfully and then raised both arms in the classic pose of triumph as he walked across the court to hug his coach Alberto Mancini, the former top ten ATP star from Argentina. The coach and player actually hugged emotionally four times during the celebratory embrace which clearly meant a lot more to this ambitious, striving young player than anyone in the gallery understands.

“Were you entertained?” was how Altmaier started his victory speech during the trophy presentation ceremony which included new creative art pieces by Venezuelan artist Jorge Blanco for the winner and runner-up.

Galan’s title win at the 2022 Sarasota Open seemed to springboard his success last year, which was highlighted by qualifying at US Open for main draw and then stunning world no. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas 60 61 36 75 in the first round and Jordan Thompson in five sets in the second round before falling to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 46 75 46 46. Galan also reached the third round of Wimbledon (lost to Nakashima).

Based on Altmaier’s excellent performance today and all week at the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open – he only lost one set in four matches, the first set he played in the first round vs. Martin Damm 67 63 75 – Altmaier’s upward trajectory in the ATP in 2023 and beyond will surely be interesting to follow for Sarasota Open enthusiasts.

Notes: I was about the only tennis reporter covering the tournament. The Sarasota Herald Tribune did send a photographer, Thomas Bender, to take photos for the newspaper and it’s web site. Also Sarasota Magazine sent a reporter Isaac Eger for Saturday and Sunday’s matches.

Former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori, and former Roland Garros finalist and doubles champion Brian Gottfried both made appearances this year at the Sarasota Open.

One of my hitting partners David Burgett, attended the Sarasota Open for three days, he also attended Miami Open and Delray Beach Open earlier this year. He said he preferred Sarasota Open over Miami Open primarily because, “I’d rather see lower ranked players up close like at Sarasota Open, than seeing higher ranked players from farther away.” Burgett said he probably won’t return to see Miami Open live next year but will certainly attend the 2024 Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open.

Elizabeth Moore on Nick Bollettieri court dedication: “Nick was one of my greatest heroes and friends. He was the reason I moved to Sarasota. He coached my kids. One of the last things Nick said to me was how he didn’t want to go because he was just going to miss everyone so much.”

Steve Gareleck, a co-owner of the Sarasota Open with Remington Reynolds, said one difficulty the tournament is facing is a lack of support from the City of Sarasota. At least one player told me the conditions of the Payne Park venue is substandard compared to other ATP 125 level Challengers because of the outdated clubhouse and locker room and a lack of windscreens on some courts which helps player see the ball better against the dark backdrop. Gareleck and the Sarasota Open are hoping the City of Sarasota can help fund an upgrading of the facility because the tournament has become, in two years, a highlight, signature event that helps to define the diversity of attractions and events of Sarasota.

Daniel Altmaier · Daniel Elahi Galan · Sarasota Open

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